The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) of Indonesia has reported a rise in casualties due to the Mount Marapi lava flood disaster in West Sumatra. The death toll has increased by eight, bringing the total to 58 fatalities as of Wednesday. Additionally, the number of people reported missing has risen from 27 to 35, with search efforts still ongoing.
This disaster has impacted 1,543 families and resulted in injuries to 33 individuals across five affected districts, including Agam District, Tanah Datar, Padang Pariaman, Padang City, and Padang Panjang. BNPB’s Fajar Setyawan, Deputy for Emergency Management, emphasized that these figures might increase as further assessments and rescue operations continue.
Setyawan also noted that relief efforts are being coordinated, with essential supplies being distributed by land and air, including the use of helicopters. This response comes amidst warnings from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) about potential moderate to heavy rainfall in the coming days, which has prompted the deployment of weather modification technology.
The disaster has severely disrupted the regional transportation route linking Padang, Agam, Tanah Datar, Bukittinggi, and Solok. In response, the government has declared a 14-day emergency period starting from May 13.
Supporting these relief efforts, BNPB has been authorized by Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR) to use Rp3.2 billion (approximately US$198 thousand) in funding. This financial aid will bolster operations and supply essential goods to the affected communities, including tents, food supplies, hygiene kits, and other necessities crucial for the displaced and affected residents.
