Hundreds Evacuate, Dozens Still Trapped by Floods in Agam

A total of 450 residents have been evacuated and 60 people are trapped by flooding that struck Nagari Sungai Batang, Tanjung Raya District, as of Saturday night (18/6). The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Agam Regency, West Sumatra, recorded that the residents trapped by the swift water currents comprise 20 families with 60 individuals.

"The 450 residents evacuated to relatives’ homes that are safe from the flooding," said Head of Emergency and Logistics at BPBD Agam, Abdul Ghafur, in Lubuk Basung on Sunday, 19 July 2026. Meanwhile, in Jorong Labuah, 250 residents were evacuated after 20 housing units were submerged with water levels reaching approximately 70 centimetres. The flooding inundated the two jorong after high-intensity rainfall hit the area from Saturday (18/7) afternoon until evening.

"The victims carried out self-evacuations, and some were evacuated by a joint team from BPBD Agam, Basarnas, PMI, the police, the military, and others," said Abdul Ghafur. The Batang Tumayo River consequently overflowed and inundated residents’ homes along the riverbank. "This is a recurring flood, as the river has experienced siltation following a flash flood that struck the area at the end of November 2025," Abdul Ghafur stated.

He added that there were no fatalities from this incident and the floodwaters have begun to recede, allowing some residents to start returning to their homes. However, he urged the public to remain vigilant and to evacuate immediately when rainfall is particularly heavy.