BMKG: Intense Overnight Rainfall Sparks Flash Floods in Solok - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that the flash flood that struck Solok Regency in West Sumatra on Monday night, September 21, was triggered by heavy rainfall reaching an intensity of 94 millimeters per day.
Andri Ramadhani, BMKG Acting Deputy for Meteorology, said in a press conference on Tuesday that continuous heavy rainfall in the area triggered overflowing water and flash floods, affecting a significant number of people.
"Rainfall in the Solok area was classified as heavy according to BMKG records—measuring 94 mm per day—thereby triggering a flash flood on Monday night around 23:00 WIB (Western Indonesia Time)," he said, as quoted by ANTARA.
Andri emphasized that BMKG issued early warnings in stages—from seven-day and three-day forecasts to short-term extreme weather alerts—prior to the disaster.
Although most of Indonesia is in the midst of the dry season, regions outside of the ZOM—areas with unique local climate patterns, such as West Sumatra—still have the potential for extreme weather.
In addition to Sumatra, BMKG has urged residents in parts of Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua to be aware of heavy rain over the next week.
Extra vigilance is urged, particularly for the northern and western regions of Sumatra—such as Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra—which are currently in a weather transition phase; residents are advised to monitor real-time early warning updates via official BMKG channels.
"Based on our observations, there are certainly several regions requiring vigilance in the coming week—particularly parts of Sumatra, specifically West Sumatra this time, as well as parts of Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua. We must remain alert to current conditions; primarily, there is a transition from the dry season to drier conditions, as the dry season persists in some areas—especially north of the equator," he emphasized.
The Solok Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) previously reported that four residents were injured after flash floods struck several areas in Arosuka, Gunung Talang District, on Monday night. Three of the injured victims are receiving treatment at Arosuka Regional General Hospital (RSUD), while the fourth has been referred to a hospital in Padang.
Furthermore, nine households comprising 32 people were forced to evacuate due to the flash flood, and 11 government offices were affected. BPBD also recorded damage to 21 cars and seven motorcycles caused by the disaster.
A flash flood also struck the Solok Regent's Office Complex area in Bandar Baliang, Jorong Kayu Aro, Nagari Batang Barus, as well as Nagari Koto Gaek Guguk in Gunung Talang District.
