“These disasters are quite massive because they caused 27 fatalities in South Pesisir District and three fatalities in Padang Pariaman District,” he noted here on Monday.
Apart from fatalities, the hydrometeorological disasters also caused damage to infrastructure. The local government estimated that the losses have reached more than Rp226 billion (around US$14.58 million).
To respond to the impact of these disasters, the president instructed BNPB to respond quickly to the conditions occurring in the country. Based on the agency's data, some 12 districts and cities in West Sumatra Province were affected by floods.
“Of the 12 districts and cities, five have applied the emergency status,” he remarked.
The five regions are South Pesisir District, Padang City, Mentawai Islands District, Padang Pariaman District, and West Pasaman District.
“These five regions were affected by disasters that are quite massive,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi stated that the floods and landslides were caused by several factors, including high-intensity rainfall occurring for more than 12 hours.
They were also caused by improperly functioning drainage channels, thereby resulting in blockages at several points. Moreover, the other causes included a lack of attention to regional spatial planning in infrastructure and residential areas' development.
According to on-field data collection, the government found that deforestation and deformation occurred at several points in the landslide-hit areas. Furthermore, river retaining wall structures were damaged.
Related news: W Sumatra: 16 killed in flash floods, landslides
Related news: To anticipate tsunami, West Sumatra looks to identify more shelters
Translator: Muhammad Zulfikar, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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