West Sumatra may extend disaster emergency status

[hartono]

West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi delivers an explanation on the potential extension of the emergency response period in Padang on Sunday (Dec. 7, 2025). /ANTARA/HO-Humas Komdigi.

Kota Padang (ANTARA) - West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi said the province’s disaster emergency status is likely to be extended, as most districts and cities remain in the emergency response phase and recovery work has not yet been completed.

“Our emergency response tasks are still ongoing and not yet finished. The status will certainly be extended because the work is not complete,” Mahyeldi said in Padang on Sunday.

He explained that the provincial government has asked all regional leaders to submit reports and recommendations on the current conditions in their respective areas.

These inputs will serve as the basis for consideration before an official decision on the extension is issued on December 8, 2025.

“The Regional Secretary is now preparing the documents and will discuss them together. We are also requesting input from districts and cities,” Mahyeldi noted.

He said that several areas, including Solok City, Payakumbuh City, and Bukittinggi City, have shown stabilizing conditions and may no longer require an emergency status.

However, other areas such as Agam District, Pariaman City, Pesisir Selatan District, and several other affected regions still need intensive handling.

In some locations, road and bridge access remains cut off, hindering the optimal distribution of aid.

The provincial government is also increasing the supply of basic necessities, including food, clean water, bedding, and special assistance for pregnant women and toddlers.

“Food supplies continue to be distributed. For drinking water, we have sent storage tanks and are working on refilling and reconnecting the distribution network,” Mahyeldi said.

He added that the number of displaced residents remains at around 20 thousand. Those whose houses suffered severe damage have been directed to stay temporarily in tents or temporary shelters while assessments of residential site feasibility are carried out.

“If their homes can no longer be occupied and they have land, the government will help with reconstruction. If they do not have land, an alternative location will be provided,” he explained.

West Sumatra Province is also receiving support from other regions, including Riau, Jambi, and neighboring district and city governments.

Assistance is being channeled through various agencies, including the Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police (Polri), the national search and rescue agency Basarnas, and volunteer groups.

This collaboration is considered essential to ensure smooth aid distribution without disrupting the operation of heavy equipment in the field.

West Sumatra may extend disaster emergency status

West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi said the province’s disaster emergency status is likely to be extended, as most districts and cities remain in the ...

en.antaranews.com