REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PADANG PARIAMAN -- The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Padang Pariaman District, West Sumatra, has recorded 175 natural disasters to have hit the area with a total of 143 whirlwinds dominating the disasters in 2017. The whirlwinds mostly occurred in February and August 2017, which were recorded 15 times per month, followed by 13 times per month in January and June.

"There was an increase in whirlwinds compared to 2016, when it only occurred 132 times," Chief Executive of BPBD of Padang Pariaman, Budi Mulya stated here on Monday.

He explained that the disaster caused one death and injured five people in Pakandangan Village, Enam Lingkung Sub-district; one victim in Toboh Gadang Vilage, Toboh Gadang Sub-district; and one victim in Gadur Village, Enam Lingkung Sub-district.

In addition, there were 81 houses, three educational facilities, one worship facility, and one building damaged under light, medium, and heavy category, by this disaster, with an estimated loss reaching Rp2 billion.

Mulya further noted that the whirlwinds mostly occurred in Enam Lingkung Sub-district, with the number of incidents reaching 29 times, followed by VII Koto Sungai Sariak Sub-district with 16 incidents.

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In addition, the disaster caused people to be drowned in the river, which left seven people dead, one wounded, and one missing.

Furthermore, about seven landslide disasters occurred, leaving one person injured and leading to the evacuation of eight people.

Five flood disasters inundated 235 houses, three educational facilities, and one worship facility, and caused 425 people to be evacuated.

Meanwhile, Secretary of BPBD of Padang Pariaman, Yasrum Ajis, revealed that the flood-prone areas included Batang Anai Sub-district and Ulakan Tapakis.

"But it cannot be ascertained, because last year, Lubuk Alung Sub-district was hit by flash flood," he noted.

There are 32 emergency response teams, nine Operation Control Centers (Pusdalops), and three warehouse keepers for disaster mitigation in the area.

He and his team have urged the local people in the area to be cautious because the area was prone to natural disasters, including whirlwinds, floods, and landslides.

Earlier, BPBD of Padang Pariaman District had recorded 296 natural disasters to have hit the area in 2016, with 132 whirlwinds dominating the disasters.

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