Floodwaters wash away temporary bridge in Maguindanao del Norte town

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — A temporary bridge across the Tuka River in Barangay Tapian in Datu Odin Sinsuat town, Maguindanao del Norte was destroyed by strong floodwaters on Friday, July 10.

The temporary crossing connected Sitio Tuka and Sitio Proper and served as a route for residents and motorists traveling toward West Upi.

According to Tapian Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Al-hassim Eskak, heavy rains had affected the area since the previous day, causing the river to swell and floodwaters to rush through the temporary structure.

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READ: Nearly 600 families displaced by floods in Maguindanao del Norte town

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Photos taken by Eskak shows the temporary bridge washed out by the strong current. The river crossing had been used by vehicles, motorcycles and residents to pass through the area.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Datu Odin Sinsuat said the area has been temporarily closed to traffic for the safety of residents.

The original bridge in the area was damaged in 2022 during the onslaught of Typhoon Paeng.

Eskak said a permanent bridge project had already started, and bridge posts had been erected. However, nearly four years later, the project remains unfinished.

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Only the bridge posts and the now-destroyed temporary crossing can be seen in the area.

Residents and barangay officials said the unfinished structure has become an added burden rather than a help to the community.

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They are now calling on the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Ministry of Public Works of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to complete the bridge once weather conditions improve. /das

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