Padang floodwaters surge: More than 50 residents evacuated by rescuers

Padang, W Sumatra (ANTARA) - Joint search and rescue teams evacuated more than 50 residents from floodwaters at two locations in Padang, West Sumatra, on Saturday, October 10.

The flooding hit Koto Panjang Ikua and Lubuk Minturun in Koto Tangah Subdistrict after heavy rain that began Saturday afternoon caused rivers to overflow.

Floodwaters inundated residential areas to depths of more than 50 centimeters and flowed rapidly, carrying muddy brown water.

“Floodwaters were high and fast-flowing, leaving dozens of residents stranded and needing evacuation assistance,” said Tri Desyu Herman, field team commander at the Padang Search and Rescue Office, following the evacuations on Saturday night.

Rescuers used inflatable boats and ropes stretched across the water to evacuate residents, he said.

The evacuation operation continued from afternoon until night, rescuing more than 50 people in total, he added.

Rescuers prioritized vulnerable residents, including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people who were ill, he said.

Personnel from the Padang Search and Rescue Office were joined by West Sumatra Regional Police officers led by Deputy Chief Brig. Gen. Solihin, the regional disaster mitigation agency, and other responders.

The teams worked together to rescue residents from the floodwaters and prevent casualties.

No official report of fatalities had been issued by Saturday night, while authorities said floodwaters were gradually receding.

Related news: Solok-Padang highway closed after flash flood inundates region

Translator: Altas M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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