542 Flash Flood Survivors in Solok Still Displaced

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded that 542 survivors of the flash flood in Solok Regency, West Sumatra, are still staying in evacuation centres.

Acting Head of the BNPB Centre for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication, Berton SP Panjaitan, stated in Jakarta on Friday that the displaced residents require continuous handling and the fulfilment of basic needs due to their homes being damaged by the torrent.

“The number of displaced residents is based on data updated as of Wednesday (30/9) night,” he said.

Berton explained that the flash flood, triggered by high-intensity rainfall on Monday (21/9) night, resulted in casualties, including two deaths, two people seriously injured, and 12 people with minor injuries.

Physical damage includes 18 houses severely damaged, 11 houses moderately damaged, 41 houses lightly damaged, four houses submerged, and three houses at risk of collapsing.

In addition to damaging residential areas, the force of the flash flood also severed transport accessibility and public facilities in the local area.

“Infrastructure damage includes two broken bridges and several other public facilities, which are currently being surveyed to prepare emergency response measures,” he said.

BNPB continues to coordinate with the Solok Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and cross-sector joint teams to ensure the optimal distribution of logistics, clean water supplies, and health services for the 542 evacuees during the emergency response period.