Severe Flooding Devastates Padang, West Sumatra, Amidst Broader Regional Crisis

Padang Grapples with Extensive Flood Damage

Padang, the capital of West Sumatra, Indonesia, has experienced severe flooding and landslides since January 1, 2026, reaching its peak on January 2, 2026. This recent deluge follows a period of intense rainfall, exacerbating a broader disaster that has affected large parts of Sumatra since late November 2025. The heavy rains, linked to a rare tropical cyclone system, triggered flash floods and multiple landslides, sending mud, rocks, and debris into populated areas and major transport routes.

The flooding has caused significant disruptions, particularly in areas such as Pasar Lalang in Kuranji District, where the Batang Kuranji River overflowed. Other affected sub-districts in Padang include Koto Tangah, Nanggalo, Padang Utara, Lubuk Begalung, Pauh, Padang Barat, Padang Timur, and Bungus Teluk Kabung. The village of Batu Basuak has been isolated, marking its fourth flash flood event since late November 2025.

Infrastructure Crippled and Services Disrupted

The impact on Padang's infrastructure has been substantial, with estimated damages reaching Rp202.8 billion by November 30, 2025. Key disruptions include:

• Roads: Numerous roads have been severed or closed due to landslides and floodwaters. The Batu Busuk road was completely cut off, and sections of the Padang Bukittinggi road and the Anai Valley section have faced repeated closures.
• Bridges: At least 6 bridges have been destroyed or severely damaged, including the Gunung Nago Bridge, which connects Pauh and Lubuk Kilangan, and the Kalawi Limau Manis Bridge.
• Water Systems: Ten water intake systems have been damaged, leading to significant disruptions in clean water supplies across the city.
• Airport Access: While Minangkabau International Airport remains operational, access roads are severely affected, causing significant delays for travelers and impacting airport operations due to staffing disruptions.

Local agriculture has also suffered, with nearby rice paddies (sawah) submerged by the floodwaters.

Humanitarian Crisis and Response Efforts

The human toll of the disaster is significant. In Padang, 12 to 15 homes in Pasar Lalang were directly impacted by flash flooding, and 300 to 400 families in Batu Basuak village were isolated. As of November 25, 2025, 27,433 people in Padang were affected across nine sub-districts. Across the broader Sumatra region, including West Sumatra, Aceh, and North Sumatra, the death toll reached 1,157 people by January 2, 2026, with nearly 400,000 individuals displaced by the end of 2025.

In response, the Padang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and Search and Rescue (SAR) teams have been actively involved in evacuating residents. The Padang government has declared an emergency response status for affected districts, issuing high-risk warnings for Kuranji and Pasar Lalang. West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi has assured that the government will provide basic needs for survivors in temporary shelters and offer monthly allowances to those staying with family members. Construction of temporary and permanent housing is underway in various affected areas, including Kapalo Koto village in Padang. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has affirmed that Indonesia possesses sufficient resources to manage the disaster, with coordinated efforts from central and local authorities, as well as military and police forces. Aid organizations and volunteers are mobilizing to deliver essential supplies, though damaged infrastructure poses challenges to distribution.

Environmental experts point to upstream deforestation and land clearing as exacerbating factors, contributing to increased runoff and landslides, turning extreme rainfall into a more severe catastrophe.