Vulnerable Groups Prioritised in Padang Flood Evacuation

West Sumatra Deputy Governor Vasko Ruseimy directly led the evacuation of residents affected by flooding in the Parak Jambu area, Dadok Tunggul Hitam Village, Koto Tangah District, Padang City, on Monday night (3/8). At the location, water levels reached the chest height of an adult. The situation forced some residents to take shelter on the second floor of their homes, while others braved the flood currents to reach higher ground. The Deputy Governor, along with personnel from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), conducted evacuations using rubber boats. Top priority was given to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups. The evacuation process continued until the early hours of Tuesday (4/8). Residents who were successfully evacuated were directed to a mosque serving as a temporary shelter, deemed safe from floodwaters. Vasko stated that the limited capacity of the boats meant the evacuation had to be carried out in stages. He stressed that the safety of all residents remained the top priority. “The most important thing is that no residents are left behind in dangerous locations. We are conducting the evacuation in turns due to the limited boat capacity. After that, we will also ensure the basic needs of the evacuees are met promptly,” Vasko said during the evacuation process. He also confirmed that the West Sumatra Provincial Government continues to coordinate with district/city governments, BPBD, Basarnas, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police, and all volunteer elements to ensure disaster management is swift and coordinated. Before going to the disaster site, Vasko coordinated with the Minangkabau BMKG office to obtain information on the cause of the high-intensity rain that has drenched most of West Sumatra since Monday afternoon. According to BMKG information, the current extreme weather was not caused by a tropical cyclone, unlike the event in November last year. The heavy rain was triggered by the formation of an elongated cloud pattern along the western region of Sumatra Island, strengthened by a convergence phenomenon or the meeting of air masses, making the growth of rain clouds more massive. BMKG also predicts that light to moderate intensity rain still has the potential to occur over the next two to three days in several areas of West Sumatra. Responding to these conditions, Vasko urged the public to remain vigilant, especially those living in flood-prone areas, riverbanks, and hillsides. “I ask the public to be aware of the weather conditions in the coming days. If the water starts to rise or there are signs of a landslide, immediately evacuate to a safer place and follow the officers’ instructions. Life safety must be the top priority,” he stressed. The West Sumatra Provincial Government, Vasko added, will continue to monitor weather developments with BMKG and ensure all disaster management apparatus remain on standby to respond quickly to any potential emergency situations.