Rainy Season: Several Areas in West Sumatra Hit by Floods and Landslides

PADANG, KOMPAS — Heavy rainfall in recent days has triggered floods and landslides in several areas of West Sumatra. The community in the West Sumatra region has been reminded to be vigilant against the potential for hydrometeorological disasters during the period of November 21-27, 2025.

Regions affected by floods or landslides in West Sumatra include Padang Pariaman, South Pesisir, Pariaman, Padang, Solok, Tanah Datar, and Agam. The disaster has occurred since Saturday (22/11/2025) in line with the increasing intensity of rainfall.

In Padang Pariaman, floods occurred in 33 villages spread across 14 sub-districts, affecting more than 3,076 families. The Head of the Padang Pariaman Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Emri Nurman, stated that the floods were caused by the overflowing of rivers due to heavy rainfall since last Saturday.

"The flood height ranges from 0.5 meters to 1.5 meters. The flood height has actually increased due to the high rainfall," said Emri, Monday (24/11/2025).

Emri stated that one of the worst flood points is in Nagari Kampung Galapuang, Ulakan Tapakis District. The river in the vicinity has overflowed into residential areas, affecting 170 families. Some residents have also sought refuge in the homes of relatives or places of worship.

According to Emri, his party is coordinating with relevant agencies for flood management. The Padang Pariaman Regency Government is also providing food assistance to the community and distributing food supplies to be processed at several public kitchen locations.

Meanwhile, in the South Coast, floods have struck several villages, including Nagari Duku and Nagari Cumanteh in the Koto XI Tarusan District, as well as Nagari Asam Kamba Pasar Baru, Nagari Sawah Laweh Pasar Baru, and Nagari Aur Begalung Talaok in the Kambang District.

The Secretary of the South Coast BPBD, Andi Yusravel Sabir, stated that the flood height varies between 0.5 meters to over 1 meter. The flooding occurred due to heavy rainfall that caused the rivers to overflow since Sunday (23/11/2025).

"In Nagari Duku, vehicles were temporarily unable to pass due to water flooding the road (National West Sumatra Line) up to one meter. It is now passable again," said Andi.

According to Andi, his team is still gathering the number of residents affected by the flood. Currently, the flood has begun to recede. "Hopefully, it won't rain again," he said.

In addition to inundating residential areas, Andi stated that the overflowing river also swept away a resident in Kampung Akad, Nagari Kambang Utara, Lengayang District. The farmer was swept away while crossing the river. "The SAR team is currently conducting a search," he said.

Separately, the Spokesperson for the West Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency, Ilham Wahab, stated that among the seven regions affected by the disaster, Padang Pariaman is the area most severely impacted. "There are 3,076 houses affected by the flood, inhabited by 3,076 families with a total of 9,228 individuals," he said.

In addition to homes, Ilham stated that the flood also impacts agricultural land, infrastructure, and irrigation. In Padang Pariaman, landslides have also occurred at several points. In total, the estimated losses in Padang Pariaman amount to approximately Rp 4 billion.

Ilham stated that in South Pesisir, floods temporarily inundated the national road connecting Padang and Bengkulu. In the city of Solok, the floods affected 6 families. Flooding also occurred in the city of Pariaman.

In Agam, in addition to strong winds and landslides, Ilham said, flooding and flash floods also affected swimming pools and tourism facilities. Furthermore, in Tanah Datar, one house was damaged by the floods. Meanwhile, in Padang, strong winds and flooding occurred in several sub-districts.

There are 3,076 houses affected by the flood, inhabited by 3,076 families with 9,228 people.

West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi has urged the entire community to enhance their vigilance in light of the early warning of a hydrometeorological emergency issued by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Minangkabau Meteorological Station for the period of November 21–27, 2025.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued the warning following the strengthening of atmospheric dynamics that increases the likelihood of heavy rain, flooding, and landslides in many areas of West Sumatra.

"We remind the entire community in West Sumatra to increase vigilance against the potential for floods and landslides. Safety is paramount. Let us look out for one another and remind each other in facing this extreme weather," said Mahyeldi.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has designated 13 districts/cities in West Sumatra as being on full alert status, including Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, Padang, South Pesisir, Sijunjung, Mentawai Islands, West Pasaman, Agam, Tanah Datar, Solok, Dharmasraya, South Solok, and Fifty Cities.

In response to this, Mahyeldi urged all district and city governments through the BPBD to enhance preparedness in facing potential disasters, especially in areas designated by the BMKG as being on full alert status.

"I urge the provincial and district/city BPBD to immediately strengthen monitoring, ensure the readiness of personnel, equipment, and evacuation routes. We must act quickly and accurately to protect the community, especially in areas that have been designated by BMKG as being on full alert," said Mahyeldi.