Solok Recovery Accelerated: Roads and Rivers Undergoing Normalisation
Efforts to manage the aftermath of flash floods in Solok Regency, West Sumatra, are ongoing through the cleaning of road access, the restoration of river flows, and the fulfilment of the needs of affected residents.
The restoration of river flows is being carried out through the dredging of the Batang Baliang and Koto Gaek rivers for a distance of two kilometres, which is targeted for completion within two weeks. This dredging involves the deployment of four heavy machines by BWS Sumatera V to clear materials obstructing the river flow, while simultaneously strengthening riverbanks and embankments.
Large stones resulting from the dredging will be utilised to reinforce embankments and retaining walls, while the downstream sections will be strengthened with gabions to manage sedimentation and narrowing flows.
River management is being conducted alongside the cleaning of the Padang-Solently national route in the Arosuka Km 36+600 area. BPJN West Sumatra has mobilised 26 heavy machines and support vehicles to remove rocks, mud, and other materials, while traffic is being managed via a buka-tutup (open-close) system during the works.
The cleaning of the route also includes spraying the road surface and shoulders to reduce slippery mud that endangers road users. Two stone crushers are also being operated so that large-sized materials can be broken down, while bridges obstructed by debris are being cleared to ensure smoother water flow.
The field operations were inspected by the Supervision Team of the National Post of the Sumatra Post-Disaster PRR Task Force, alongside the Deputy Regent of Solok and technical agencies, to ensure the cleaning of bridges affected by flood debris.
“Bridges that were obstructed, including the Arosuka Bridge and the main road, have been cleared,” stated the Head of the Special Monitoring Team, Kombes Pol Dennie Andreas Dharmawan, in a written statement on Saturday (26/09/2026).
Ongoing management is also being prepared to face long-term flood risks through infrastructure development in upstream areas. BWS Sumatera V is planning the preparation of technical designs for sabo dams, while the Supervision Team has recommended that the National Post of the PRR Task Force oversee the completion of these designs to ensure protection plans can proceed to the construction phase.
Addressing the needs of affected residents is also a vital part of the recovery as infrastructure is restored in several locations. Data as of 24 September 2026 records 411 people directly affected, with 53 families or 183 individuals still in evacuation centres, including 38 elderly persons, 39 toddlers, six infants, and three pregnant women.
To meet clean water needs after piping networks were severed, BPBPK West Sumatra has deployed three water tankers to evacuation posts. Initial logistical aid from the BNPB has also been distributed, and the main post is continuing to catalogue needs for baby supplies, women’s necessities, cooking equipment, and cleaning tools.
Meeting the needs of residents is accompanied by health and psychosocial support for vulnerable groups. A joint SAR team is also continuing the search for one missing resident, expanding the search area up to eight kilometres using heavy machinery, tracking dogs, and thermal drones.
The entire operation involves more than 1,000 personnel from various agencies, divided into four work sectors according to field requirements. The deployment of personnel also includes cleaning the Solok Regency government office complex to ensure public services can recover quickly after 11 departmental offices were affected by mud accumulation.