Solok Flash Floods: Gradual Relocation Advised for Gov't Office
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has advised for the gradual relocation of the Solok Regency Government office complex in Arosuka, West Sumatra, due to the potential for recurring flash floods.
"The Solok Regency government office complex, in particular, requires a comprehensive evaluation. If the assessment indicates the location is located on a main flow path or material deposition zone, then gradual relocation to a safer location should be a medium- and long-term mitigation priority," said the Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.
According to her, the technical recommendation was issued after an investigation team conducted an emergency response study following the flash flood disaster that struck the Arosuka area, Gunung Talang District, Solok Regency, on September 21, 2026.
The Solok Regency Government office complex, main road network, and public service facilities are reportedly located in a valley area that is geomorphologically connected to the watershed on the western slopes of Mount Talang.
According to the Geological Agency's evaluation, the strategic infrastructure located in the river basin areas (DAS) poses a high level of threat and risk of disaster if high-intensity rainfall occurs in the upstream area.
Therefore, the Geological Agency has requested that the Solok Regency Government immediately establish a no-go zone or restrict the use of space in the active river basin, valley confluence, and alluvial fan area around the Arosuka region.
He added that in addition to office complexes, safety evaluations are also needed for health facilities, the main Solok-Padang road, bridges, and public utility networks still operating in vulnerable locations.
"The results of this geological study should be incorporated into the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) and the Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR) to prevent casualty and infrastructure damage risks in the future," she said.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) previously reported that flash floods triggered by torrential downpours on Monday, September 21, evening claimed two lives and injured several others, with two severe injuries, and 12 others suffered minor injuries.
The physical damage included 18 houses with severe damage, 11 with moderate damage, 41 with minor damage, four houses submerged, and three houses on the brink of collapse.
Besides damage to residential areas, the flash floods also cut off transportation and public facilities in the affected region. As of October 2, 542 flash flood survivors in Solok Regency, West Sumatra, were still staying in evacuation centers.
