Bridge in Sidemen, Karangasem Collapses After Heavy Rain

A bridge connecting Banyu Campah and Kebung in Telaga Tawang Village, Sidemen District, Karangasem, collapsed after heavy rainfall on Tuesday. Fortunately, the incident caused no casualties or injuries. According to Sidemen Sub-district Head I Nyoman Swanegara, the bridge was of an old structure. ‘There is a river underneath, and at the time the water was flowing very heavily until the bridge eventually collapsed,’ Swanegara said. As a result of the incident, local residents must seek alternative routes that are much longer and narrower. Some have been forced to cross the river on foot. Given the vital nature of the access route, Swanegara expressed hope that the relevant agencies would carry out repairs swiftly. The collapsed bridge is a main access point to schools and the market. ‘We have coordinated with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the Public Works and Public Housing Office (PUPR), and they said an assessment will be conducted immediately. We hope it can be handled quickly,’ Swanegara said. Meanwhile, Head of the Karangasem BPBD, I Made Aditya Sugiharta, stated that the agency’s Rapid Response Team, together with the PUPR Office, is currently conducting an assessment at the location. ‘Technical repairs will be carried out by the PUPR Office,’ Aditya said. Over the past three days, Karangasem has been hit by a series of disasters, including landslides, fallen trees, and collapsed roads. ‘The public is urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when carrying out activities both inside and outside their homes,’ Aditya stressed.