Disaster-Affected Residents Reluctant to Seek Treatment Due to Trauma, Health Workers Take the Time to Visit Evacuation Sites

AGAM, KOMPAS — The impact of the hydrometeorological disaster that has struck West Sumatra since late November has expanded. Amid the state of emergency, refugees are beginning to suffer from illnesses such as respiratory infections and diarrhea. This situation is exacerbated by psychological trauma that makes residents reluctant to visit health facilities. Therefore, healthcare workers have chosen to take the initiative by visiting the evacuation sites.

Flash floods and landslides in West Sumatra have affected 50 sub-districts in 16 districts/cities. One of the severely impacted areas is Agam Regency. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Agam Regency reported that as of Saturday (6/12/2025), the death toll has reached 180 people.

Not only that, residents affected by the disaster who are now living in shelters are beginning to suffer from illnesses. The Head of the Koto Alam Community Health Center in Agam Regency, Yelmita Juwarnis, revealed that the health complaints of the refugees are now dominated by diseases caused by an unhealthy environment.

"The average diseases currently present are ARI (acute respiratory infections), diarrhea, cough, fever, and itching," said Yelmita when met at the local health post.

Although the health post has been on alert, Yelmita revealed that there are psychological barriers among the victims. Many residents are reluctant to seek treatment at the community health center due to deep trauma related to the weather conditions, especially during rainfall.

"People are traumatized. If we take care of them, like with the current rain, they become traumatized. So they choose to flee to safer places, such as to the homes of distant relatives," he explained.

To address the trauma, medical personnel in Agam have changed their service strategy. The staff no longer wait for patients to come; instead, they actively reach out by visiting homes and evacuation tents.

"We go out into the field to find at-risk patients such as the elderly, pregnant women, and toddlers. Data on affected pregnant women is already available, and we will visit them directly," added Yelmita.

In addition to infectious diseases, the medical team is also monitoring the recovery of victims with physical injuries. Most patients with fractures or severe injuries who were previously referred to Lubuk Basung Regional Hospital have been discharged. Follow-up wound care is being conducted through home visits for those who are not yet able to walk to the community health center.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the West Sumatra Province, Arry Yuswandi, revealed that the number of residents affected by floods and landslides in West Sumatra has reached 247,402 individuals. "In addition, there are 228 fatalities, 112 injuries, and 98 people who are still reported missing," he stated in a written statement on Sunday.

The West Sumatra Provincial Government also recorded that at least 735 houses were swept away by flash floods, while 35,213 other houses were inundated. Floods and landslides also caused damage to 172 road segments and 46 bridges, thereby hindering the distribution of aid to several locations.

Therefore, according to Arry Yuswandi, in addition to health management, the government is now prioritizing the restoration of road access and basic services. The West Sumatra Provincial Government recorded that 338 schools, 66 health facilities, and 148 places of worship were also affected by the disaster.

The losses in the productive economic sector are still being calculated. This is in light of the fact that 6,749 hectares of rice fields and 10,486 units of residents' fish ponds were damaged by the flood.

"The estimated total losses are still being calculated and verified in the field. However, what is most important at this time is to ensure that all affected communities receive appropriate and prompt services, protection, and assistance," emphasized Arry.