The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported on Tuesday that heavy rains on Sunday caused severe floods and landslides, affecting around 4,000 residents in West Nias, North Sumatra. These adverse weather conditions have led to significant displacement and damage in the region.
Abdul Muhari, the Head of the Data, Information, and Communication Center of BNPB, stated that natural disasters directly impact approximately 1,000 families from 18 villages. The affected families grapple with the aftermath as their homes and livelihoods have been severely disrupted.
The West Nias Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) provided detailed reports indicating that at least 1,000 residential houses have been damaged. In addition to homes, the floods and landslides have ravaged several plantation areas and rice fields, crucial to the local economy and food supply. These damages underscore the extensive impact on the residents’ daily lives and the broader community’s economic stability.
BNPB has announced plans to collaborate with local government officials to conduct rapid assessments once the floodwaters begin to recede. This quick assessment will be critical in determining the damage’s extent and formulating a comprehensive response strategy. The focus will be on addressing the immediate needs of the affected populations and repairing damaged infrastructure to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible, said Muhari.
The sub-districts of Mandrehe, West Mandrehe, Lahomi, North Mandrehe, and Moro’o have been identified as the most severely affected areas. BNPB has urged residents in these regions to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to mitigate the impacts of future weather-related disasters. This advice is particularly pertinent given that the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecasted continued heavy rains in West Nias over the next few days.
In light of these forecasts, the agency emphasized the importance of community preparedness and proactive measures to ensure safety and minimize further damage. The residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and to follow the guidance provided by local authorities and disaster management agencies.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in disaster-prone areas and the critical need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies. The BNPB and local agencies continue to monitor the situation closely and are committed to supporting the affected residents.
