10-3-2024 (JAKARTA) A series of devastating floods and landslides have claimed at least 21 lives and displaced over 80,000 people in West Sumatra province, according to Indonesian authorities. The catastrophic events were triggered by days of incessant torrential rains that lashed several regions in the province.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the floods have left seven individuals missing and caused extensive damage to more than 650 houses. In Padang Pariaman regency, a road remains blocked by a landslide as of Saturday afternoon, further complicating rescue efforts.
Indonesia’s rescue agency is actively searching for those still unaccounted for, with officials stating that 150 rescuers have been deployed to the affected areas. However, their operations have been impeded by the blockage of roads due to the landslides.
“Today’s search involves 150 personnel from various disaster agencies,” said Abdul Malik, the chief of the provincial rescue team, in a statement.
Those who were evacuated sought refuge in nearby mosques, according to Abdul Muhari, the spokesperson of Indonesia’s disaster agency BNPB. Temporary shelters have not been established, but the displaced individuals have received essential supplies such as food, water, and medicines, while others have returned home as the floodwaters receded.
The agency reported that the floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure, including 26 bridges, 25 schools, and 113 hectares of farmland. Authorities have warned local governments and citizens to remain vigilant as more rain is expected in the provincial capital of Padang on Sunday.
Indonesia’s weather agency had previously cautioned about the possibility of extreme weather conditions, such as sudden thunderstorms, occurring in many regions during March and April, following the peak of the rainy season in February.
