1 Victim Died Due to Bridge Collapse in South Kalimantan

JAKARTA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that an elderly victim named Sudarto (73) died when a bridge was cut off by flooding hitting the village road in Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan (Kalsel).

Head of the South Sea BPBD, Aspi Setia Rahman, said the high rainfall in the village caused the river water discharge to rise so that the bridge connecting Dusun II-III in Martadah Baru Village, collapsed.

"The victim crossed the road and the bridge, the victim did not know that the bridge had been cut off, the atmosphere was still dark at dawn. Because he did not know, the victim fell down the bridge that was crumbling with the condition of the water in it," he confirmed in Tanah Laut, Saturday, quoted by Antara.

He said that BPBD Tanah Laut received a report from residents this morning at around 07.30 Wita.

"The latest information, the victim was found and evacuated by local residents to be buried," said Aspi.

Meanwhile, the head of the Martadah Baru Village, Slamet Prayitno, said the connecting bridge was broken because it was eroded by the flood due to high rainfall.

He explained that the bridge road was a vital access for local residents, especially as an access for children to go to school.

He also appealed to the local community to temporarily not cross the road and bridge for safety.

"To the Regent of Tanah Laut, we hope that this bridge can be repaired immediately, please ask for the assistance of the local government," said Slamet.