Heavy Rains Cause Wooden Bridge Collapse in Cambodia's Mondulkiri Province

In Keo Sima District, Mondulkiri Province, a wooden bridge known as "Pou Ddem Svay" was completely washed away on the morning of August 5, 2026, due to strong flash floods caused by several consecutive days of heavy rainfall. This incident has created significant difficulties for the movement and transportation of goods for local residents. San Kim Eap, the district governor of Keo Sima, informed the press that immediately after receiving the news, district authorities, along with relevant specialized forces, rushed to the scene. They have temporarily closed the bridge to traffic and are studying solutions to ensure the continuity of public transportation. Concurrently, the authorities have notified the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport to take measures for the swift restoration of traffic connections. The district governor further clarified that this wooden bridge is a vital infrastructure connecting the communes of Sre Chhuk and Sre Preah within Keo Sima District, facilitating travel and the transportation of agricultural products. The reason for the bridge's collapse was attributed to the continuous rainfall over several days, which caused a strong flood current to hit the bridge's foundation, leading to its complete destruction. The damage has disrupted the daily commute and the transportation of agricultural products for the residents, posing a risk to public safety. Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid the bridge area until repairs are completed. In urgent cases, residents can temporarily use an alternative route through Kratié Province as advised by the authorities.