HIBAPRESS – Figuig
Traffic remains completely cut off, as of now, on the national road linking the provinces of Figuig and Errachidia, due to the severe damage sustained by the "Bouanane" bridge following the rise in the wadi's water levels and its record load witnessed in the region in recent days.
Local sources informed HIBAPRESS that the force of the torrential floods caused a partial collapse of the bridge structure in the Bouanane commune, leading to a complete paralysis of traffic and halting the movement of passengers and goods between the two provinces. Fortunately, there were no human casualties thanks to prior warnings and initial intervention.
Immediately after the incident, local authorities in the province of Figuig, in coordination with the relevant departments of the Ministry of Equipment, Water, and the Royal Gendarmerie, mobilized their elements. Warning signs were put in place and the area around the bridge was secured to prevent risky crossings, pending a decrease in water levels and a precise assessment of the technical damages.
Technical and engineering teams from the Equipment sector continue their work on-site to commence maintenance and rehabilitation of the bridge structure or to open alternative and safe relief routes as soon as possible, once the weather conditions stabilize. This aims to break the isolation and restore the lifeline to this vital road axis connecting the regions of the East and Draa-Tafilalet.
