SEREMBAN: At least 300 residents in two villages are facing travel disruptions after Jalan Rajawali in Kampung Batu 3, Mambau here collapsed due to erosion last night.
The 8pm incident happened after continuous heavy rains from 7pm to 9pm caused the Linggi River beside the road to overflow.
Villager Adam Hussin, 63, said the authorities closed Jalan Rajawali to to traffic due to safety concerns and to prevent the road from further deteriorating.
"The water level began to rise after Maghrib prayers. By 8 pm, half the road was submerged, followed by a gradual collapse that narrowed the road to just 2.4m, half its original width," he said.
"We contacted the Fire and Rescue Department, police and our representatives and we were advised not to handle the situation by ourselves. The authorities then arrived and closed the road."
He said Jalan Rajawali was the main route connecting Kampung Batu 3 and Kampung Sri Rantau, home to around 300 villagers.
"When the road is closed, residents of both villages have to use a longer route for any travel needs.
"This is an important road, especially for people commuting to work and those sending their children to school.
"We hope the authorities can resolve this issue promptly," said Adam, who is also Kampung Batu 3 Village Development and Safety Committee secretary.
A state Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said firefighters rushed to the scene as soon as they were informed of the incident.
"Team B of the Seremban 2 Fire and Rescue Station conducted flood monitoring in the area, where the collapse is believed to have been caused by heavy rain and strong river currents," he said.
"Policemen from the Mambau police station closed the road to ensure the safety of residents, while waiting for repair works to be carried out."