Andalas University Hospital Prepared as Megathrust Evacuation Center in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Andalas University has taken a strategic role in disaster preparedness by positioning its hospital as a potential evacuation center to support emergency response systems in West Sumatra.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) identified Andalas University Hospital as one of the alternative evacuation locations in the event of a megathrust earthquake in the region.

“If a megathrust earthquake and tsunami occur, Unand Hospital can serve as an evacuation site and a center for disaster response,” said BNPB Head Lt. Gen. Suharyanto during his visit to Unand Hospital in Padang on Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Suharyanto explained that BNPB, as the national coordinator for disaster management in Indonesia, has established cooperation with the Australian Embassy as well as Andalas University to designate the hospital as an evacuation and response center in the event of an earthquake and tsunami

This decision was based on the hospital’s strategic location, adequate infrastructure, and readiness of medical facilities to handle large-scale emergencies.

Located within the Limau Manis campus area in Padang, the hospital offers a wide and safe environment that can accommodate evacuees and support emergency coordination activities.

In addition to providing medical services, the hospital can function as a temporary shelter and operational center for disaster response teams during crisis situations.

Through this preparedness effort, Andalas University is expected to contribute significantly to disaster mitigation and strengthen community resilience in earthquake-prone areas.