West Sumatra Flash Flood Value Unand Researcher Allegedly Due To Falling Tree In Hulu Sungai Batang Anai

The portrait of the Batang Anai River after the flash flood that hit the area on Saturday (11/5/2024). ANTARA/Fandi Yogari

The Center for Disaster Studies (PSB) of Andalas University (Unand) West Sumatra (West Sumatra) together with the campus Emergency Response Center suspected that the accumulation of fallen tree material in the upstream part of the Batang Anai river was the cause of flash floods.

"This flash flood is estimated to be due to piles of fallen tree material in the river valley in the upstream part of Batang Anai," said PSB Unand representative Prof. Febrin Anas Ismail in Padang, Friday, May 17, confiscated by Antara.

Febrin Anas explained that the pile of fallen tree material in the upstream part of the river gradually formed a natural dam. The vibrations of volcanic earthquakes from Mount Marapi accompanied by high rainfall are strongly suspected to be the trigger for the collapse of the natural dam.

The collapsing natural dam then slid rapidly into flash floods or better known as galodos by the Minangkabau community.

The social study conducted by academics from the oldest campus outside Java has succeeded in uncovering a number of facts. First, the bottom slope of the Batang Anai river is classified as steep. This can be seen from the relatively high speed of water during normal conditions.

Second, the overflow that occurs due to blockages in bridge areas and narrowing river lanes. Jumping in winding grooves occurs due to reduced river flow capacity as well as depositing transportation materials.

In addition, Unand's research team also found that no river border had been implemented. For example, there are still many buildings on the riverbank.

Tim Unand juga telah menyusun beberapa saran yang ditujukan kepada Balai Pelaksanaan Jalan Nasional dan Balai Wilayah Sungai Sumatra V Sumbar.

The recommendations are the construction of a savo-dam upstream of the river, the construction of a river-bed slope controller so that the water speed is normal, restoring the function of the national road to making regulations on the Batang Anai River border.