Cold Lava Flood Marapi Breaks Access To Bukittinggi-Padang Cross Road

JAKARTA - The cold lava flood of Mount Marapi hit several areas in West Sumatra causing the Bukittinggi-Padang road to break completely.

The damage due to the large flow of thick black water from Mount Marapi was observed in the Angek Water area of Tanah Datar and Bukit Batabuah, Canduang and Sungai Puar, Agam Regency.

"We heard and saw the flow of water that had grown twice, first around 15.00 WIB and an hour later, the second flow sounded a roar," said a resident of Bukit Batabuah Sutan Makmur (68), in Bukittinggi, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, April 5.

This cold lava flow was seen destroying the residents' rice fields and yards and cutting off road access so that several vehicles were trapped.

In Bukit Batabuah, police personnel were seen together with the TNI and BPBD as well as residents trying to clean up the remaining flood material that was washed away, blocking the flow of water under the bridge.

"There was a motorcycle rider who was dragged but was rescued and evacuated. We are still evacuating and cleaning up," said Bukittinggi Police Chief Kombespol Yessi Kurniati.

He emphasized that he was coordinating with BPBD and other parties to immediately open road access.

"We are waiting for heavy equipment and continue to clean up because the flood material clogs on the bridge, residents are asked to remain vigilant," he said.