Jakarta (ANTARA) -
Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs ensures basic necessities would reach survivors of flash flood disaster in Padang, West Sumatra, throughout the ongoing emergency response period.
The Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf said on Wednesday his office had promptly mobilized to distribute various forms of aid to help easing the burden on the affected residents.
"We need to be more attentive to the residents' needs. Children, older people, and people with disabilities may require special assistance. We must ensure that everyone has access to food, daily necessities, and adequate shelter," Yusuf emphasized.
He informed the logistical assistance was distributed through the warehouse of the Padang Center for Social Welfare Education and Training (BBPPKS) and the West Sumatra Provincial Social Service.
Related news: DPR speaker urges stronger disaster mitigation after Solok flood
The assistance from BBPPKS Padang included 80 ready-to-eat meal packages, 80 children's meal packages, 120 blankets, 40 mattresses, 40 family kit packages, and 40 kids' ware packages.
Meanwhile, aid from the West Sumatra Provincial Social Service consisted of 30 children's food packages, 250 rice packages, 30 family kit packages, 16 kids' ware packages, 30 blankets, and 30 mattresses.
The Directorate of Operations Control of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) informed flash floods hit Padang City after heavy rain began on Saturday (Oct 10), leading to the river overflows in the Kuranji, Koto Tangah, and Nanggalo sub-districts.
Related news: Ministry channels Rp65.2 billion to flood-hit Islamic schools in Aceh
"Based on the disaster response data as of Wednesday, 743 people were affected, with most of the evacuees having returned to their homes as the waters recede," Yusuf explained.
Although the floodwaters have receded, mud still covers residential areas.
Yusuf said a joint team involving the Ministry of Social Affairs, Disaster Preparedness Cadets (Tagana), local governments, the Indonesian military, the National Police, the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), and volunteers continues to clean up affected areas and repair damaged vital infrastructure.
Related news: Solok-Padang highway closed after flash flood inundates region
Translator: M. Riezko Bima, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
Copyright © ANTARA 2026