Extreme Weather Hits Padang, BPBD Evacuates Fallen Trees and Flood Victims

The Padang City Government, through the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), moved quickly to handle the impact of extreme weather in the form of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds that hit the city from Monday (3/8) into the night. Based on data from the BPBD Padang City Operations Control Centre as of Tuesday (4/8), the severe conditions caused trees to fall in six different locations, flooding at 74 points with varying depths, and a landslide in the Batu Busuk area. Fallen trees were recorded at two points in the Bukit Lampu area (Bungus Teluk Kabung District), as well as one point each in Alai Barat, Padang Besi, Kubu Marapalam, and Lubuk Minturun. BPBD Padang City Chief Executive Hendri Zulviton stated that handling the fallen trees and evacuating residents affected by the flooding were the team’s top priorities on the ground. ‘From the data we have gathered, trees fell in six different locations. We have carried out evacuations and cleared the tree debris so as not to disrupt traffic or endanger the public,’ he said. A joint team was also deployed to flood points to rescue residents in need of assistance. ‘We deployed all our strength to carry out evacuations, especially for residents trapped by the floods, by sending in support personnel and rubber boats,’ he added. Given that extreme weather is predicted to potentially continue for the next week, BPBD Padang City has asked the public to remain vigilant and avoid disaster-prone areas. ‘All residents are urged to remain alert. Avoid taking shelter or carrying out activities under large trees and on slopes that are prone to landslides,’ he appealed.