In Indonesia’s province of West Sumatra, days of heavy rain have resulted in floods and landslides, leading to the evacuation of over 70,000 people. At least 19 individuals have lost their lives, while seven others are still missing, authorities reported on Sunday.
The severe weather conditions, which began last Thursday, have caused extensive damage in the provincial capital of Padang and eight other areas. Nearly 700 homes, numerous bridges, schools, and 113 hectares (280 acres) of farmland have been affected.
The Indonesian rescue agency is actively searching for the missing individuals, with 150 rescuers mobilized for the operation. However, their progress is hindered by blocked roads resulting from the landslides.
“Today’s search involves 150 personnel from various disaster agencies,” stated Abdul Malik, the chief of the provincial rescue team.
The evacuated individuals have sought refuge in the nearest mosques, as mentioned by Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s disaster agency BNPB. Temporary shelters have not been established, but the evacuees are receiving essential supplies such as food, water, and medicines. Some have been able to return home as the floodwaters recede.
Padang remains largely submerged, with roads blocked by a landslide that stretches 50 meters (164 ft) in the Padang Pariaman area.
With more rainfall anticipated in the upcoming days, the agency has issued warnings about the potential for additional flooding and landslides, exacerbating the existing destruction.
The rainy season in Indonesia started in January, with the BMKG meteorological agency projecting a peak in the first quarter, particularly impacting the islands of Java and Sumatra.
(Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
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