For four days the 140-metre span bridge was noticeably moving as high winds and massive swells raged through the waterway separating the two islands off the coast of Bali. It finally collapsed yesterday in a mass of concrete and steel. Built in 1991 by the provincial government, residents say the steel framework was showing signs of rust and rot.
The residents of both islands hoping that the government will repair the bridge and build an emergency bridge in the meantime so that residents can continue their activities. The bridge is the only link between the two islands and currently residents are forced to make the crossing by boat.