Following a cloudburst in Hebri on Sunday, a flash flood washed away the vital wooden bridge connecting the Mattavu area. The bridge, built by locals at the start of the monsoon, served as a lifeline for 10-13 indigenous families, whose daily lives were severely disrupted by its loss.
In response, Mattavu’s residents came together the next morning to rebuild a temporary bridge using areca trees and ropes sourced from nearby forests. Within just 12 hours, they restored the essential connection that allows villagers to access schools, work, and medical services.
The temporary bridge, rebuilt annually for decades, is crucial for 50-60 people, including schoolchildren and elderly residents. Without it, locals face a 5-kilometre trek for basic supplies and 20-50 kilometres for medical emergencies. Despite repeated pleas, the government has yet to deliver on promises for a permanent structure, with wildlife sanctuary regulations cited as a hurdle.
Vasanthi, a resident, stressed the need for a permanent bridge to ensure their children’s education and community well-being: “We urgently rebuilt it so our SSLC students could attend special classes. A permanent bridge would finally solve our problem.”
The community continues to rebuild, hoping for a lasting solution.
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