Six People Died in Flash Floods in Padang Panjang

PADANG, KOMPAS — At least six people died and several others are missing in a flash flood or galodo disaster around the Anai Valley in Padang Panjang City, West Sumatra. In addition to causing casualties, the galodo also cut off access to the Padang-Bukittinggi national road.

Flash floods occurred around the twin bridge in Silaing Bawah Village, West Padang Panjang District, on Thursday (27/11/2025) afternoon. Water suddenly surged, hitting the roadway and the bridge, sweeping away roadside stalls and residents' homes, including motorists seeking shelter.

"On Thursday at around 12:20, suddenly a flash flood struck and swept away residents in the area. There are six fatalities that have been found, while others are still being searched for," said Acting Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Padang Panjang, Noviyanti, when contacted from Padang, Friday (28/11/2025).

Six victims who were found are Nilmawati (59), Riki Saputra (38), Junimar (52), Agung Purnomo (35), Silvi Marta Putri (25), and Roby Handaryo (42). The victims were discovered in the Batang Anai River in the 2 x 11 Kayu Tanam District, Padang Pariaman Regency.

In addition to searching for victims, Noviyanti added that the officers in the field are also working to clear the debris of mud, stones, and wood left by the flash flood on the national road Padang-Bukittinggi.

Officers also evacuated residents who had fled up the hill when the galodo arrived. "The road is still blocked. Vehicles can't pass," he said.

The massive flood around the Lembah Anai area was triggered by heavy rain that occurred over the past week. The floodwaters came from Batang Air Putih, which is one of the upstream sources of the Batang Anai River.

Around the twin bridge at the border of Padang Panjang and Tanah Datar, there are many stalls and prayer rooms. This location usually serves as a shelter for drivers during rain when passing through the Anai Valley area.

Ireli Sofa Datuak Tan Majolelo (58), one of the local customary leaders, explained that shortly after the incident, the bridge on the national road was buried under mud along with large stones and wood.

There are six victims who have been found dead, the rest are still being searched for

Datuak Tan Majolelo, who is the leader of Nagari Bukiksuruangan in the customary land sector, is concerned about the condition of his relatives (members of the community) residing there. At least 29 families live in the vicinity of that area.

"There are possibly 22 families whose homes have been affected. However, I do not yet know what their fate will be. The atmosphere is still mournful, and I have not been able to ask many questions," he said.