Floods in Padang and Agam: Hundreds Evacuated, Hospital Submerged

Floods have hit a number of areas in West Sumatra following heavy rain that has been pouring down since Monday (3/8) afternoon. Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate after being submerged by floodwaters reaching heights of over one metre.

Secretary of the West Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Ilham Wahab, said the list of areas besieged by flooding includes Tanjung Mutiara in Agam Regency, Padang Pariaman Regency, and Padang City.

"According to incoming reports, the disasters that occurred range from fallen trees to flooding, in Agam Regency, Padang Pariaman, and Padang City itself. Specifically in Padang, there are fifteen locations where residents are currently being evacuated," Ilham explained to reporters.

He explained that teams are currently evacuating affected residents. "Evacuation efforts are underway. For now, the team is focusing on rescue, so we have not yet calculated how many houses are affected or other damage data," he said.

Meanwhile, CNNIndonesia.com observations on the ground showed that officers had to work extra hard to evacuate residents trapped by the floods. One such location was the Guo Kuranji area. Heavy rain caused water to enter houses, trapping residents inside.

A number of victims, including the elderly and children, had to be carried by officers through the swift flood currents.

Flooding was also observed at the Siti Rahma Islamic Hospital in the By Pass area and the Rasyidin Regional General Hospital in Padang. According to observations, water entered the hospital buildings, disrupting patient activities.

Residents have been reminded to increase their vigilance, as severe weather conditions are expected to continue for the next few days.