Strong floodwaters swept away a temporary bridge over the Tuka River in Datu Odin Sinsuat on July 10. The structure had connected two sitios and served as a vital link to West Upi.
Heavy rains that began the previous day caused the river to rise rapidly. Al-Hassim Eskak, chairman of the Tapian Sangguniang Kabataan, said the current washed out the crossing between Sitio Tuka and Sitio Proper.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office closed the area to traffic. Residents and officials noted that the original bridge was damaged by Typhoon Paeng in 2022.
A permanent replacement project began several years ago, with posts already erected. The work remains unfinished nearly four years later.
Barangay leaders urged the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Ministry of Public Works of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to finish construction once weather permits.