Flash Floods Hit West Sumatra’s Solok, 32 People Displaced

RRI.CO.ID, Arosuka - Intense, heavy rainfall beginning Saturday, 19 September 2026, triggered flash floods that struck several areas in Arosuka, Gunung Talang Subdistrict, Solok Regency, West Sumatra on Monday night, 21 September 2026. The disaster left four residents injured, forced 32 people to evacuate, and damaged 11 government offices along with dozens of vehicles at the Solok Regent’s Office Complex and surrounding village areas.

Head of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Solok Regency, Khairul, said three of the injured are receiving treatment at Arosuka Regional General Hospital (RSUD), while one victim was referred to a hospital in Padang.

“Preliminary data shows four people were injured. Three are being treated at RSUD Arosuka and one was referred to Semen Padang Hospital (SPH),” he said in a written statement in Solok on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.

In addition to the injured, BPBD Solok recorded that nine households, totaling 32 people, were forced to evacuate due to the flash floods. Khairul said the evacuees have been placed in two locations prepared by the local administration to assist disaster-affected residents.

He also noted that 11 administration offices were affected by the flash floods. BPBD further recorded that 21 cars and seven motorcycles were damaged in the disaster.

The floods also hit the Solok Regent’s Office Complex in Bandar Baliang, Jorong Kayu Aro, Batang Barus Village, and Koto Gaek Guguk Village, all within Gunung Talang Subdistrict.

A joint Rapid Response Team (TRC) and related agencies were still conducting search operations in several flash flood-affected locations as of Tuesday. Officers also carried out evacuations of residents requiring assistance and continued data collection to fully assess the disaster’s impact.

“Response efforts are being carried out together with related agencies under the coordination of the local administration,” said Khairul, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that the flash floods were triggered by high-intensity rainfall that had been drenching Solok Regency since Saturday. The heavy rain caused water discharge to rise, leading to flash flooding in several areas.

As of Tuesday morning, joint teams were still conducting emergency response, evacuations, and data collection for affected residents and facilities. BPBD Solok Regency has urged residents in affected areas to remain alert to the possibility of additional flooding and to follow instructions from officers on the ground. ***