Relief for Flash Flood Victims in Tanah Datar District, West Sumatra

Journalist : Pipi Susanti (Tzu Chi Padang), Photographer : Pipi Susanti (Tzu Chi Padang)

Widya Kasuma Laurenzi, the Head of Tzu Chi Padang, provided packages of basic food supplies and other necessities to residents affected by the flash flood.

Three days after providing aid to flash flood victims in Agam and Tanah Datar Regencies on Wednesday, May 15, 18 Tzu Chi Padang volunteers delivered additional assistance on May 18, 2024. This aid included 150 packages of basic food supplies (each containing 5 kg of rice, 1 liter of cooking oil, and 20 packs of instant noodles), 105 blankets, 100 boxes of mineral water, bread, and wearable clothing. Widya Kasuma Laurenzi, Head of Tzu Chi Padang, handed over the supplies at the main post in Padang Panjang to Acting Mayor Sonny Budaya Putra AP, M.Si, who was accompanied by the Head of BNPB, the Regional Secretary, and members of the Padang City Council. The aid was also directly distributed to the displaced residents at the main post.

Furthermore, the aid was distributed directly to the community at the disaster location in Lubuk Mata Kucing, Pasar Usang Village, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra. To reach this area, the volunteers, escorted by the Head of BNPB, the Regional Secretary, the local RT Chairman, and City Council members, had to cross a temporary bridge constructed by local residents. This was due to the collapse of the road and bridge connecting Padang Panjang City to Nagari Singgalang at Lubuk Mata Kucing, which was caused by landslides and flooding on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

Alongside their visit to Padang Panjang, the Head and volunteers of Tzu Chi Padang also went to the disaster area affected by cold lava floods and landslides in Nagari Bukit Batabuah, Canduang District, Agam Regency.

The Tzu Chi Padang team worked hand in hand to unload aid packages for the residents in need.

The eruption of Mount Marapi led to flooding and landslides that caused the Lubuk Mata Kucing River in Bukit Surungan, Silaing Bawah, and the Batang Sikakeh River in Sigando Village and Ekor Lubuk to overflow. This disaster resulted in the deaths of two individuals and compelled 198 people to evacuate as their homes were either destroyed, damaged, or located in hazardous areas. The floods and landslides also damaged the Perumda Tirta Serambi water pipes, leading to a disruption in the water supply to Silaing Bawah Village.

“On behalf of the Tzu Chi volunteers, I would like to thank Mr. Acting Mayor of Padang Panjang, the Head of BNPB, Mr. Regional Secretary, members of the Padang Panjang City Council, and the disaster survivors for welcoming us from the Tzu Chi Foundation,” said Widya Kasuma Laurenzi, Head of Tzu Chi Padang. “We hope that this aid can ease your burdens. We share in your sorrow and hope that things will improve quickly so that you can return to your normal activities.”

Aid was directly given to the evacuees at the main emergency shelter.

Distributing aid was extremely difficult because landslides and floods had caused the road and bridge linking Padang Panjang City to Nagari Singgalang to collapse.

Following their relief efforts in Padang Panjang, the Head of Tzu Chi Padang and the volunteers traveled to Nagari Bukit Batabuah in Canduang District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, to address the cold lava flood and landslide disaster, accompanied by Kodim 0304 Agam members. The aid for the affected residents had been distributed earlier on May 15, 2024.

Translator: Vissia (Tzu Chi School)