At Least 19 Killed in Flash Floods in Indonesia, Most on Island of Bali
Severe flash floods triggered by torrential rains have claimed the lives of at least 19 people across two Indonesian provinces this week, with the majority of fatalities occurring on the popular tourist island of Bali. The disaster has prompted urgent search and rescue operations and emergency response efforts as authorities grapple with the aftermath.
Devastation Across Bali and East Nusa Tenggara
Beginning Monday, relentless heavy rains caused rivers to overflow, leading to widespread flooding and multiple landslides. The affected areas include Bali and East Nusa Tenggara provinces. On Bali, overflowing rivers swept through nine cities and districts, inundating more than 120 neighborhoods, and causing numerous landslides that buried mountainside villages under mud, rocks, and fallen trees.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has reported that between 14 and 19 people have died as a result of the flooding, with most casualties resulting from residents being swept away by the surging waters. Two individuals remain missing on Bali. Meanwhile, in East Nusa Tenggara, further casualties and disruptions have been reported.
Emergency Response Underway
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered an immediate acceleration of search operations, relief efforts, and the provision of basic supplies to those displaced by the floods. According to the state news agency Antara, the president has tasked his administration with prioritizing both the search for missing persons and the management of flood aftermath.
The BNPB has deployed between 400 and 600 personnel from various institutions to aid in search-and-rescue missions and debris clearance. More than 500 people have been evacuated to emergency shelters such as schools and mosques. To coordinate relief services, the mayor of Bali’s capital, Denpasar, I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara, declared an emergency status.
As floodwaters recede, residents of Denpasar are beginning to assess the damage. Streets remain coated in mud and debris, with overturned cars and scattered personal belongings strewn throughout neighborhoods. Cleanup efforts are underway, and electricity has been restored to tens of thousands of homes and businesses.
Climate Challenges and Flood Risks
Indonesia regularly faces seasonal heavy rains from September to March, which commonly lead to flooding and landslides. However, climate change has intensified weather patterns, increasing the severity and duration of rainfall, thus exacerbating the risk of flash floods and violent storms.
The country has seen other recent incidents of deadly floods: in March, heavy rains caused flooding and landslides on Java island, killing three people and leaving five missing; while in January, similar events in Central Java resulted in at least 25 fatalities.
Looking Ahead
As Indonesian authorities continue rescue and recovery operations, the urgency to adapt infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures in the face of escalating climate risks remains clear. The recent floods serve as a somber reminder of the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events intensified by global climate change.
Summary
- At least 19 people have died due to flash floods in Indonesia, mainly on Bali.
- Flooding and landslides were caused by torrential rains beginning Monday.
- Emergency services and military personnel have mobilized for rescue and cleanup.
- Over 500 people have been evacuated to emergency shelters.
- Relief efforts continue as floodwaters recede and recovery begins.
- Climate change is contributing to more severe and frequent flooding events across Indonesia.
Authorities remain on high alert as they work to prevent further loss of life and assist affected communities in their recovery from this devastating flood event.
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