Over 100 Orang Asli Residents in Pos Brooke Cut Off After Bridge Swept Away by Flash Flood

GUA MUSANG: More than 100 Orang Asli residents from the Temiar community have been cut off after the Kampung Brooke Lama suspension bridge was swept away by strong currents and muddy floodwaters during a sudden surge of water in Sungai Belatop, Pos Brooke, here yesterday afternoon.

Kampung Brooke Lama village headman Rian Bujang said the incident had disrupted residents’ daily activities, including sending their children to school and seeking medical treatment.

He said rain began at around 4 pm before a sudden surge of water occurred at approximately 5.30 pm, sending strong currents crashing into the bridge, causing it to collapse and breaking its concrete pillars.

“The situation was extremely frightening as the strong, muddy currents overflowed onto a road near residents’ homes,” he said when contacted today.

He said the bridge, built in 2008, had served as a vital route for residents travelling to Sekolah Kebangsaan Pos Brooke and the Pos Brooke Health Clinic.

However, residents are now forced to use a longer alternative route through Kampung Liak and Kuala Rengil.

Meanwhile, Kelantan and Terengganu Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) Director Mohd Faedzyal Mohamed said approximately 44 families had been affected.

He said the department had reported the incident to the Disaster Operations Control Centre to seek emergency assistance.

Some residents have taken shelter at the open hall of the Pos Brooke JAKOA Office.

The bridge had previously drawn the attention of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in 2023 over safety concerns, with the South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR) and JAKOA instructed to carry out repairs or improvements.

BERNAMA