West Sumatra declares disaster emergency amid floods, landslides

hartono · Nov 26, 2025

A car that had been buried by landslide debris recovered in Padang, West Sumatra, on Tuesday (November 25, 2025). ANTARA/Muhammad Zulfikar

Padang, W Sumatra (ANTARA) - West Sumatra province has declared a disaster emergency response from November 25 to December 8, 2025, after floods, landslides, and strong winds affected multiple districts, provincial authorities said Wednesday.

The declaration follows Governor’s Decree Number 360-761-2025 on the Emergency Response Status for Floods, Flash Floods, Landslides, and Strong Winds in West Sumatra in 2025.

“With 13 districts and cities affected, the provincial government has a strong basis to declare a disaster emergency response,” Regional Secretary Arry Yuswandi said in a statement in Padang.

He noted the emergency response period could be extended depending on the situation and field disaster management needs.

Previously, the hardest-hit areas—Padang Pariaman, Agam, South Pesisir, and Bukittinggi—had declared local emergency responses.

The provincial emergency status aims to enable faster, coordinated, and flexible action among stakeholders, especially for mobilizing logistics, heavy equipment, and personnel.

It also provides a legal basis to request ready-to-use funding from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

During the emergency, West Sumatra will prioritize seven measures, starting with rapid assessments of the situation and disaster-handling needs.

Authorities will activate the emergency command system, including preparing operational plans to coordinate response efforts.

Evacuation of at-risk populations and provision of basic needs will be carried out immediately.

Measures will also focus on protecting vulnerable groups, controlling disaster sources, and preparing and distributing logistical aid to affected communities.

The provincial government urged residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger additional floods or landslides in vulnerable areas.

Authorities stressed close coordination between local, provincial, and national agencies to mitigate further impacts and restore essential services in affected districts.