A 12.2-metre long bridge in an Orang Asli settlement in Cameron Highlands collapsed earlier today, leaving 853 villagers stranded.
Bernama reports that the bridge in Pos Terisu — which is the main pathway to the settlement at Batu 49, Kuala Terla — had fallen because of the rising river water levels due to heavy rainfall from 2am to 3am.
“It is believed that the bridge collapsed at the point where the currents from two rivers, namely the Tringkap and Kuala Terla rivers, met and entered the main Ulu Telom river, where the bridge was located,” Cameron Highlands Police chief DSP Zainalabidin Othman was quoted as saying in a statement.
Three cars and three motorcycles owned by villagers were swept away by the overflowing river in Jalan Kolam Air, Brinchang, but later found such between houses.
