Heirs of Padang Pariaman Landslide Victims Express Gratitude for Social Affairs Minister's Support

PADANG PARIAMAN (14 March 2024) - The floods and landslides that hit Padang Pariaman Regency on Thursday, 7 March 2024, left a mark of sorrow on the residents of Nagari Sungai Durian. A total of 41 families were affected, and the disaster claimed three lives. The Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, personally expressed her condolences and provided moral support to the victims' families. The Minister also focused on the survivors' ability to rebuild their lives.

"You can work at my office in Padang. Later, you can start your own coffee stall," Minister Risma offered Randa Fauzanatul (20), an heir of the landslide victims, during their meeting on Wednesday (13/3).

Randa was devastated by the loss of both parents when the landslide struck. In addition, Randa also lost her livelihood. Previously, she ran a small coffee stall, but it was destroyed by the landslide.

Not only did Minister Risma mobilize her staff, but she also visited the flood victims in person. The Minister handed out compensation and provided moral support to the heirs of those who lost their lives due to the flooding.

Minister Risma's visit brought new hope to Randa.  Despite her anguish, she managed to smile when the top official in the Ministry of Social Affairs personally met with her and soothed her, even offering her a job.

"Regarding the disaster, the pain is still there, but with the arrival of Minister Risma here, our burden has started to lighten," Randa said with gratitude.

Besides meeting with the heirs of the flood and landslide victims, the Minister also handed out various forms of aid, such as a whole set of generators with fuel, family tents, rice, eggs, children's clothes, etc. The Minister advised that these items be preserved in a social granary and used when needed.

"If not in use, it can be kept. I'll provide the food and set up a social granary for you to use at any time," said Minister Risma to the Head of Nagari Sungai Durian.

Previously, the Ministry of Social Affairs, through the Directorate of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims and the Padang Social Welfare Training Center (BBPPKS), had distributed aid, including 700 packs of ready-to-eat food, 81 blankets, 36 mattresses, 50 roll-up tents, 10 family tents, 1 multi-purpose tent, 50 kids' kits, 100 family kits, 50 children's clothing packs, and 100 adult clothing packs.

The Ministry of Social Affairs also distributed cleaning equipment to 41 affected families. In addition, a compensation of IDR 15,000,000 each was given to the heirs of the three victims who died in Padang Pariaman.