Police Effort To Open The Padang-Bukittinggi Line Which Was Cut Off Due To The Marapi Cold Lava Flood

Head of Public Relations Division of the National Police, Kombes Erdi Adrimulan Chaniago/DOK IST.

The National Police together with related parties are trying to restore the Padang-Bukittinggi road which was cut off due to the cold lava flood of Mount Marapi and flash floods.

The natural disaster incident is known not only to cause road access break. However, it also resulted in the death of dozens of people.

"Kita bersama instansi terkait sedang melakukan perbaikan secepatnya karena ini jalan vital yang mengakibatkan kesulitan warga untuk beraktivitas," ujar Kabagpenum Divisi Humas Polri Kombes Erdi Adrimulan Chaniago dalam keterangannya, Senin, 13 Mei.

Meanwhile, people who want to travel from Padang to Bukittinggi or vice versa are advised to use alternative roads. One of them is through the Malak or Solok route.

"It can be through Malalak, but there is also a landslide trying to be passed," he said.

"Apart from going through Malalak, people can also pass the second alternative road, namely the Sitinjak, Solok and Singkarak routes," Erdi continued.

Not only regarding road access, the National Police also sent a team of health assistance from the West Sumatra Regional Police Biddokes to the Bukittinggi, Tanah Datar and Padang Panjang areas. Thus, people in need can be handled immediately.

"The West Sumatra Police have opened a Command Post to carry out health checks so that the victims receive treatment and restore their health condition," said Erdi.

For information, the Padang City Search and Rescue (SAR) office, West Sumatra, reported that until today at 13.00 WIB, the death toll from the cold lava flood of Mount Marapi and flash floods in three areas reached 43 people.

In detail, 19 victims died from Agam Regency, 14 in Tanah Datar Regency, eight in Padang Pariaman Regency and two victims from Padang Panjang City. Of that number, Basarnas reported 38 victims who had been identified.

With the addition of these fatalities, SAR has also updated the number of victims who have not been found, namely 15 people. The details are 12 in Tanah Datar Regency and three people in Agam Regency.