MP: Residents’ Safety Must Be the Priority in Padang Flood Response

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Athari Gauthi Ardi, a member of Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), has called for meeting the needs of affected residents to be the main priority in responding to floods that hit two districts in Padang, West Sumatra, on Saturday.

She said she hoped evacuations would proceed quickly, particularly for residents still trapped by the floods and in need of help.

“In a situation like this, public safety must be the priority. Affected residents need to receive assistance promptly and be taken to a safe place,” Athari said in a statement in Jakarta.

The lawmaker representing West Sumatra I also stressed the importance of having officers on the ground to ensure aid reaches those who need it, including vulnerable groups such as children, older people and residents requiring special assistance.

“No one should struggle to get help. Basic needs such as food, clean water and shelter must be addressed so people can get through this emergency,” she said.

She also said the flood response should not focus solely on evacuations during the emergency, but should include support for residents’ recovery after the water recedes.

“Once conditions begin to improve, residents also need support so they can resume their activities safely. We hope all those affected remain safe and that the situation returns to normal soon,” Athari said.

The flooding followed heavy rain that had fallen across Padang since Saturday afternoon. According to a report by the Padang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Koto Tangah and Kuranji districts were among the worst-affected areas.

Hendri Zulviton, head of the Padang BPBD, said officers were currently focusing on evacuating residents trapped by the floods.

“Our focus at the moment is evacuating residents who are trapped,” he said.

In Kuranji, the Guo Lapau Munggu area was among the worst-hit locations. In Koto Tangah, flooding affected the Lumin Park and Kampung Apa areas.

“So far, reports have come from two districts: Kuranji and Koto Tangah,” he said.

Hendri said flooding had also occurred in several other areas, although the impact there was less severe.

“The worst conditions are there. There is flooding in other areas too, but it is not as severe as at those locations [Guo in Kuranji and Lumin Park],” he said.