Over 4,500 Telang Usan residents cut off after wooden bridge collapsed following continuous heavy rain

MIRI (Jan 2): A total of 4,517 residents from seven villages in Telang Usan district have been affected after a wooden bridge near Kem Silat on Sungai Teluwau collapsed following continuous heavy rain.

Telang Usan District Disaster Management Committee secretary, Lieutenant (Civil Defence Force, APM) Mirwan Shah Masri, said his office received the report at around 10am on Friday from Penghulu Daud Suok.

“Based on the report received, the incident was first detected on December 31 by villagers who were attempting to pass through the area to return to Miri city after the Christmas celebrations.

“Prior to the collapse, the bridge was already in dilapidated condition,” he said when contacted.

Mirwan said the bridge’s wooden base had begun to rot and deteriorate, and the continuous heavy rainfall caused the collapse

The affected residents are from Kampung Long Silat, Long Makabar, Long Jekitan, Long Tikan, Long Bee, Long Betaok, and Ba Purau.

“So far, no injuries or loss of life have been reported. However, the route is no longer passable, and residents are advised to remain cautious and avoid the collapsed area,” he said.