Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Indonesia

Five die in W. Sumatra floods

Dyaning Pangestika

Jakarta | Sat, October 13, 2018 | 04:22 pm

At least five people died and five people have been reported missing during flooding in West Sumatra on Thursday.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that four people died in Tanah Datar regency. The deceased have been identified as Roni, 30, Yerinda, 56, Anis, 2, and Efendi, 10. They were all swept away by floodwater. Three other people, identified as Erizal, 55, Daswirman, 58, and Yusrizal, 45, had yet to be found as of Saturday morning.

Six people were injured and 10 buildings and two bridges severely damaged in the flood. BPBD Tanah Datar is cooperating with the Indonesian Military, the National Police and volunteers in search and rescue efforts.

Tanah Datar Regent Irdinansyah Tarmizi has declared a seven-day state of emergency from Oct. 12 to Oct. 18 in response to the disaster.

Severe flooding and erosion also occurred in West Pasaman regency. The affected districts are Pasaman, Ranah Batan, Koto Balingka, Sei Beremas, Lembah Melintang, Gunung Tuleh, Talamau, Sasak and Kinali.

BNPB spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said one person had died and two people had been reported missing in West Pasaman.

“At least 500 buildings are inundated, while three bridges collapsed and two houses were swept away by the flood,” Sutopo said in a statement on Saturday.

BPBD West Pasaman has started distributing relief aid to victims, but heavy equipment, staple food, blankets and clothes were still needed.