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Riverbanks Collapse, Time Becomes Critical: Rapid Flood Mitigation Solutions in Padang

Floods don’t just bring water. They strip away stability, destroy infrastructure, threaten safety, and claim lives.

In the city of Padang, extreme rainfall over a short period turned the Korong Gadang River into a serious threat. Water levels rose sharply, overflowed, and slammed into the riverbanks with unstoppable force. In a matter of hours, the soil began to erode. Homes that once stood firmly lost their footing. Some collapsed, others now hang on the edge of destruction, waiting for the moment they finally give way.

And the most worrying part: this isn’t over yet.

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Real Impact: More Than Just Infrastructure Damage

This disaster left more than physical scars. It created ongoing risks:

• Progressive erosion that continues to weaken soil structures
• Potential for secondary landslides along the riverbanks
• Recurrent flood threats in the next rainy season
• Limited access for evacuation and emergency response

In conditions like these, every day without a solution means rising risk.

Field Challenges: Time, Access, and Ground Conditions

Post-flood response is never simple. The main challenges include:

• Degraded, unstable soil unsuitable for conventional methods
• Limited access that restricts heavy equipment mobilization
• The need for rapid intervention before conditions worsen
• High safety pressure for surrounding communities

What’s needed is not just a technically strong solution, but one that is fast, practical, and adaptable.

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A Fast and Effective Solution: FlexMac DT

As a rapid response, Maccaferri was entrusted to deliver a reliable solution in the form of a riverbank protection system specifically designed for emergency situations. Unlike conventional methods, this solution uses FlexMac DT, a modular flexible wire mesh system that is well suited for such conditions.

Why FlexMac DT?

1. Immediate Protection
Quickly forms a containment structure to control water flow and stop further erosion.

2. Rapid Installation
Can be installed quickly using simple methods, without heavy equipment or large crews.

3. Adaptable to Site Conditions
Its flexible structure follows unstable ground contours without compromising strength.

4. Logistical Efficiency
Uses local materials as infill, speeding up execution and reducing supply constraints.

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Results: From Crisis to Control

The implementation of FlexMac DT delivered tangible results in a short time:

• Riverbanks successfully stabilized
• Erosion and landslide risks significantly reduced
• Residential areas made safer
• Community activities gradually resumed
• Preparedness for future flooding improved

In emergency situations, the right solution doesn’t just repair damage. It prevents bigger losses.

This intervention addresses only one of several critical points along the river that require attention. The section at Korong Gadang is just the first step. In the next phases, the application of FlexMac DT will continue at Batu Busuak, Tabing Banda Gadang, Naggalo, Batang Kabung, Chekdam Koto Tuo, Muaro Ulakan, Sungai Bt. Ulakan, Bendung Anai, and Sungai Bt. Mangor.

To learn more about our emergency works solutions and applications, download our brochure ⬇️