Sumatra floods cause widespread damage to infrastructure and schools

Flash floods and landslides have repeatedly struck the Sumatra region, causing significant damage to infrastructure and communities. In Solok Regency, West Sumatra, a recent flood brought mud, rocks, and debris that impacted government offices and major roads connecting Solok to Padang.

The environmental organization Walhi Sumatra Barat has criticized the recurring nature of these disasters, stating they are not merely natural events but are linked to structural issues in spatial governance. They cited deforestation, changes in land cover, extractive activities, and inadequate river basin management as contributing factors. Walhi emphasized that the state must prioritize prevention through forest protection and early warning systems rather than only responding after damage has occurred.

The impact on education has been severe, with 4,922 schools across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra affected by floods and mud. Many facilities suffered collapsed roofs or were buried in sediment, forcing some students to learn in makeshift tent classrooms. In response, the central government has launched a school revitalization program to restore educational facilities and support community recovery.