This is what Happened in Lahat: Flash Floods Caused Significant Damage and Loss of Life

Flash floods that occurred in Lahat, South Sumatra on Sunday (3/6) morning have caused significant damage and resulted in several casualties. The flash floods, caused by heavy rain, occurred in several villages in the West Merapi District, Lahat Regency and resulted in several damaged houses and roads being blocked by landslide material.

According to data released by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Monday (3/7), the number of deaths due to flash floods in Lahat has reached 10 people. Meanwhile, the number of injured victims is still being documented. In addition, around 1,400 people have been displaced due to the flooding that submerged residential areas.

The affected area of the flash floods is also quite extensive, covering several villages in the West Merapi District, Lahat Regency. According to the Head of the Lahat Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Nur Khamid, the flash floods have resulted in 23 road closures and disrupted transportation access. Many residents were forced to evacuate to safer places due to the floods and landslides.

Furthermore, based on data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), rainfall in several areas in South Sumatra is predicted to remain quite high until the end of this week. Therefore, residents in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and prepared to face the potential for flooding and landslides.

Data from other websites also inform that the Lahat Regency Government has declared a state of emergency response to flash floods and landslides in the area for 14 days since March 6, 2023. The Lahat Regency Government has also established relief and evacuation centers to assist flood victims.

Authorities are also making efforts to clean up the landslide material that covers roads and damages buildings in the affected area. In addition, they are providing logistics and medicines to flood victims and evacuees.

Flash floods and landslides are natural disasters that often occur in Indonesia, especially during the rainy season. Therefore, as responsible citizens, we must always be vigilant and prepared to face the possibility of natural disasters, such as by paying attention to weather developments and preparing ourselves well to face them.