SLIM RIVER: A Bailey bridge will be constructed from Jalan Slim River to Behrang Hulu after the main bridge collapsed due to heavy rainfall on Friday (Aug 23).
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the temporary bridge construction is expected to take about five days, starting from Saturday (Aug 24).
"The 77m long and 7.5m wide collapsed bridge involves a concrete structure on a state road, specifically on the Old Sungai Slim Bridge. This main bridge connects Slim Village to Slim River Town and Behrang Town," he said during a site visit on Saturday (Aug 24).
Saarani added that the bridge collapsed because it could not withstand the pressure from debris, such as forest trees, carried by floodwaters.
Additionally, heavy rainfall since 6.30pm on Friday caused two more bridge collapses in Kampung Pasir and Kampung Sungai Muda, which connect Kampung Piong.
"No Bailey bridge will be built there as residents can use alternative routes to reach town," he said.
Saarani also noted that residents will face water supply disruptions as the pipe broke when the bridge collapsed.
"Water supply has indeed been disrupted, affecting about 70% of users. There are 10,000 accounts, so 70% are impacted. We couldn’t rush repairs last night due to the time, but today, Lembaga Air Perak (LAP) has taken action, and we have started bringing in tankers for assistance," he said.
"We will repair that and, in the meantime, try to supply water to users as soon as possible," he added.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Azizi Mat Aris said the 19 victims at Eco Risda Park have not yet been rescued and will be when the waters recede.
"Once the water level drops, they will be relocated to a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS). Our rescue team, including the police and other agencies, remains on-site to ensure the safety of the victims and confirm their well-being," he said.
"The next phase will involve inspecting the homes left behind by the 175 victims currently at the PPS. Two PPS will be activated to ensure these homes are secure, without any criminal intrusion," he said.
