In West Sumatra Province, severe floods and landslides have claimed at least 19 lives and displaced roughly 46,000 residents who have been evacuated to shelters and safer areas. The ongoing heavy rains that have lingered for several days are the primary driver behind the disaster, disrupting everyday life, damaging homes, and straining local infrastructure across multiple districts.
The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency, known as BPBD, reported a notable increase in fatalities on Saturday. The initial count of ten deaths, recorded across three locations, has risen with new confirmed victims: two in Nagari Langgai within Sutera District, seven in Koto XI Tarusan District, and one in Lengayang District. This escalation demonstrates how quickly a weather event can intensify when rainfall persists and the terrain is rugged, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Alongside the confirmed deaths, authorities are continuing to account for at least ten people listed as missing in the districts of Koto XI Tarusan, Sutera, and Lengayang. Rescue, recovery, and evacuation operations remain active, yet ongoing rainfall and repeated downpours hinder field work and slow the delivery of aid. Several routes have been cut off by floodwaters and landslides, restricting movement for rescuers and delaying assistance to those in need. Access to potable water, electricity, and the internet has been disrupted in affected areas, with police, volunteers, and local officials coordinating efforts to provide relief and information under challenging conditions. BPBD data indicate that around 46,000 residents have been evacuated from their homes and relocated to shelters distributed across various subdistricts.
Meteorological authorities had warned that March and April could bring extreme weather events, including sudden storms, as the country exits the peak rainy season that typically occurs in February. Officials are urging residents to stay updated with weather alerts and to follow evacuation orders where issued, prioritizing safety as the situation evolves and relief operations press on in the affected regions.