Solok Regency Government Offices Damaged by Flash Flood, Four Injured
A flash flood damaged several government offices and residential houses around the Solok Regent’s Office Complex, Arosuka, Nagari Batang Barus, Gunung Talang District, on Monday (21/9) night. The flood also resulted in injuries to several residents.
Solok Regent Jon Firman Pandu stated that several government offices were severely impacted. These include the Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR), the Health Office, the Regional Financial Agency (BKD), the Department of Community and Nagari Empowerment (DPMN), Bapelitbang, and the Solok Regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) area.
“The PUPR Department, Health, BKD, DPMN, Bapelitbang, including the DPRD, were severely affected,” he said.
According to Jon, the powerful flow of water entered the office complex, causing damage to numerous rooms and government facilities. Office equipment was also swept away by the current.
“Generally, it was due to the water. Office equipment was carried outside,” he added.
The flash flood also impacted houses belonging to residents located around the Solok Regent’s office complex.
The Solok Regency Government, alongside the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), Polri (National Police), and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), conducted evacuations for residents whose homes were affected. This measure was taken to anticipate worsening conditions.
“We are also preparing temporary evacuation posts for residents whose homes have been damaged or affected by the flood,” he said.
The Solok Regency Government is still conducting data collection regarding the houses, government facilities, and other infrastructure impacted by the flash flood.
Meanwhile, a joint team has been deployed to clear debris brought by the current into the Solok Regent’s office complex area.
The impact of the flood on government offices has become a priority for the local government, as several affected offices are directly related to public services.
The Solok Regent urged the public to remain vigilant against flash floods hitting various areas in Solok Regency. Residents in flood-prone, landslide-prone, and riverside areas are requested to increase their alertness, especially during periods of high-intensity rainfall.
Residents are also advised to evacuate immediately to safer locations if environmental conditions become dangerous and to follow the instructions of officers on the ground.
Furthermore, the public is asked to report emergency conditions or needs for assistance to the nagari (village) government, district authorities, or disaster management officers.
Injuries
The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Solok Regency, West Sumatra, recorded that four residents sustained injuries due to the flash flood.
The Head of Solok Regency BPBD, Khairul, through a written statement in Solok on Tuesday, stated that three injured victims are receiving treatment at RSUD Arosuka, while one other victim has been referred to a hospital in Padang.
“Preliminary data shows four people were injured. Three are being treated at RSUD Arosuka and one has been referred to SPH Padang,” he said.
In addition to the injured, the Solok Regency BPBD noted that nine heads of households, or approximately 32 individuals, were forced to evacuate due to the flash flood.