Irrigation Restoration and Road Access Prioritized in Post-Flood Response in Tanah Datar

Tanah Datar Kartininews.com - The restoration of road connectivity and the normalization of irrigation networks damaged by floods and landslides in Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra (Sumbar), have now become the main cross-agency priority. This rapid action was taken to safeguard the community’s agricultural sector, which is currently entering the planting season.

Minister of Public Works (Minister PU) Dody Hanggodo emphasized that handling the impacts of the disaster caused by extreme rainfall on Tuesday (12/5/2026) is a shared responsibility between the district, provincial, and central governments, in accordance with the Presidential Instruction.

“Especially because we are now entering the planting season, irrigation repairs must be prioritized so that water flow to residents’ rice fields can recover quickly,” said Minister Dody while directly inspecting emergency response efforts at the Batang Tampo River in Tanah Datar on Thursday (21/5/2026).

This hydrometeorological disaster was triggered by extreme rainfall reaching 215 mm per day in the Lintau Buo area, seriously affecting seven sub-districts and 16 *nagari*. The overflow of water discharge in several rivers in the Indragiri watershed — such as Batang Tampo, Batang Piubuh, and Batang Baburai — was worsened by sedimentation issues and the narrowing of river channels.

As a result, public infrastructure suffered massive damage, including 12 heavily damaged road sections, 13 lightly damaged road sections, six broken bridges, as well as damage to irrigation dams, water pumps, places of worship, and residential areas.

To accelerate on-the-ground recovery, the Sumatra V Padang River Basin Center (BWS) has deployed heavy equipment, including three excavators, gabion materials, and HDPE pipes. The current focus is on normalizing river channels, strengthening eroded riverbanks, and restoring water resource infrastructure to minimize the risk of subsequent flooding.

In addition to short-term emergency measures, the Ministry of Public Works, together with local governments, is also conducting a comprehensive inventory to prepare post-disaster rehabilitation steps. Medium- and long-term efforts will focus on sedimentation control, increasing river channel capacity, and strengthening flood control infrastructure to enhance the region’s resilience.