Emergency Response Becomes Main Focus, Flash Flood Impact Handling in Limapuluh Kota Accelerated
The Limapuluh Kota Regency government has established a 14-day hydrometeorological disaster emergency response status, effective from 13 to 26 May 2026. This measure aims to accelerate the handling of flash flood impacts affecting several nagaris (villages) and districts. The declaration of emergency status enables the mobilisation of personnel and logistics, as well as the utilisation of Unforeseen Expenditure (BTT) funds for rapid and measured disaster management.
During this emergency period, dozens of residents, alongside personnel from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the TNI-Polri, and district and village officials, worked together to clear wood debris clogging the Batang Sandir River flow in Jorong Sawahlaweh, Tungkar Village, Situjuah Limo Nagari, on Sunday (17/5). The wood debris, caused by flash floods and heavy rain on Wednesday night (13/5), is feared to trigger secondary disasters if not addressed immediately.
The Regional Secretary of Limapuluh Kota, Herman Azmar, and the Head of BPBD, Zaimar Hakim, emphasised that the emergency status is necessary to ensure all disaster management efforts run effectively, including operational support for field officers. The local government is also opening opportunities for aid mobilisation from various parties, including the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the West Sumatra Provincial Government, and the BWS Sumatera V Padang.
Local residents hope the river cleaning process continues as many fallen trees remain lodged in the riverbed. Furthermore, residents have requested that BWS Sumatera V perform river normalisation for the Batang Sandir River to minimise the risk of flash floods and water overflows during heavy rain.
A member of the Limaput Kota Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), M. Fajar Rillah Vesky, supports the declaration of the emergency status. He noted that the hydrometeorological disasters affecting various villages have disrupted community life, necessitating immediate action. He also noted that the emergency status is crucial to legalise the use of BTT funds amounting to Rp2.5 billion within the 2026 Regional Budget (APBD).
“We hope that once the emergency status is established, the handling of disaster impacts across all villages can proceed quickly and measuredly, so that affected communities do not suffer further,” he stated.