Windstorm damages bridge in Shangla.

SHANGLA -- A suspension bridge on the Indus River was damaged in a recent windstorm here, disconnecting Jatkool village council of Chakesar tehsil from Thakot bazaar.

The people of Jatkool using this bridge would bring foodstuff and other daily use commodities from Thakot bazaar.

The wooden bridge was built by the government after 2010 flash floods, but it had now become dangerous for travel though it was repaired by local people on self-help basis several times.

Attaur Rehman, a resident, said the district administration had already declared the bridge dangerous for travel due to its bad condition, but the area people would use it as they had no alternative route for crossing the Indus River to bring daily use commodities from Thakoot bazaar.

'We requested the local MPA and MNA for repair of the bridge, but they said they are on opposition benches and don't have funds,' he said. He added that there was no alternative route to reach the markets even in Chakesar tehsil headquarters and district headquarters.

Qari Saaduddin, former district councillor from...