MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, TANAH DATAR — The death toll from the recent cold lava floods and landslides in West Sumatra has risen steadily. As of Tuesday, May 14th, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that 50 people have died, 27 are missing, 37 are injured, and a staggering 3,396 have been displaced from their homes.
The disaster has ravaged six districts and cities across the province. The breakdown of the fatalities is as follows: 2 in Padang Panjang City, 20 in Agam Regency, 19 in Tanah Datar Regency, 1 in Padang City, and 8 in Padang Pariaman Regency.
Muhammadiyah is actively responding to the crisis through its Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC), with support from the Muhammadiyah Department of Charity Management (Lazismu).
In Tanah Datar Regency, one of the worst-hit areas, floods and landslides have caused widespread devastation. Six sub-districts – Rambatan, Batipuh, Sungai Tarab, Pariangan, Lima Kaum, and X Koto – have borne the brunt of the disaster.
According to a report from MDMC of West Sumatra, Tanah Datar Regency alone has suffered 11 deaths and 14 missing persons. The floods and landslides have also wreaked havoc on infrastructure, damaging houses, bridges, schools, places of worship, and irrigation systems. The report estimates that over 2,000 residents have been displaced across the six affected sub-districts.
Rifki Abror Ananda, Chairperson of the Lazismu of West Sumatra, outlined the department’s ongoing efforts. He explained that Lazismu is working closely with MDMC to develop a program that provides targeted assistance to the affected residents.
Muhammadiyah has also taken the initiative to establish three emergency response centers in strategic locations: Parambahan Limo Kaum in Tanah Datar Regency, Bukit Batabuah in Agam Regency, and Baruah Pandai Sikek.
“MDMC and Lazismu teams, both at the regional and district/city levels, are already deployed in the field, working tirelessly to support the affected communities. Our immediate focus is on ensuring the emergency response centers have the necessary supplies to meet the needs of the displaced residents,” said Rifki.
Currently, the most pressing needs identified are food supplies for public kitchens set up in evacuation centers and clothing for the displaced residents. Many houses were swept away by the sudden floods, leaving residents with no time to salvage their clothes or other belongings. In addition to food and clothing, hygiene kits and family kits, which contain essential household items, are also crucial for the well-being of the survivors.
Beyond establishing emergency response centers, Muhammadiyah has already begun providing emergency relief. As of May 13, 2024, their efforts include distributing 242 ready-to-eat meals, 624 bottles of mineral water, and gloves for 200 people. They have also assisted with cleaning two houses occupied by a total of four families.
