Recovery Phase Starts in West Sumatra as Death Toll Reaches 129

Jakarta: The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) announced that disaster response efforts in West Sumatra have entered a faster-than-expected recovery phase, with significant progress recorded just three days after deadly floods, landslides, and galodo struck the region.

“West Sumatra has shown major recovery on the third day. The weather has improved and Weather Modification Operations (OMC) are still underway,” BNPB Chief Suharyanto said on Monday, December 1, 2025.

BNPB reported 129 fatalities, 118 people still missing, and 16 injured across multiple regencies. In Padang Pariaman, many evacuees have begun returning home to clean debris as conditions stabilize.

Agam Regency Hit Hardest

Agam Regency recorded the highest casualties, with 87 deaths and 76 people missing. In total, eight regencies and cities were affected, including Solok, Pesisir Selatan, Padang, Padang Panjang, Pariaman, Tanah Datar, and Bukittinggi.

Authorities said 77,918 residents were displaced, many of whom returned temporarily during the day to clean their homes before going back to shelters at night.

Several vital infrastructures remain damaged, including broken bridges, collapsed roads, and disrupted provincial and national transport routes. The national route between Padang Panjang and Sicincin is among those still cut off.

Emergency aid—ranging from basic necessities and hygiene kits to tents and heavy machinery—continues to be distributed. BNPB teams have been working on the ground for four consecutive days alongside local authorities.

Air support remains limited as roads are still accessible. Currently deployed assets include one BNPB helicopter, one fixed-wing aircraft, and one Basarnas helicopter.

The West Sumatra Integrated Disaster Management Post reported the deployment of 131 personnel to handle flooding, mudflows, sedimented rivers, and damaged irrigation systems. Efforts are concentrated on restoring river flow and ensuring water distribution for communities and agriculture.

Heavy equipment such as excavators and long-arm units are being used, while certain areas still rely on manual tools like shovels and hoes.

Rainy Season Still Peaking

Despite improved weather, authorities warned that West Sumatra remains in the peak rainy season. Desindra Deddy Kurniawan, Head of the Minangkabau Meteorological Station, said the remnants of ex–Tropical Cyclone Senyar have moved away, but atmospheric conditions still favor heavy rainfall.

“Water vapor supply remains high due to sea surface temperature, IOD, and wind convergence. Rain clouds may continue to form over the next week,” he said.

BMKG urged residents to stay alert, monitor environmental conditions, and begin transitioning home cautiously from evacuation shelters.

The warning applies to 16 regencies/cities, including Mentawai Islands, West Pasaman, Agam, Bukittinggi, Tanah Datar, Padang Panjang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, Padang, Pesisir Selatan, Pasaman, Lima Puluh Kota, Payakumbuh, Sawahlunto, Solok, and South Solok.

“It is crucial for all stakeholders to strengthen preparedness to reduce hydrometeorological disaster risks,” Suharyanto said.