Deadly Floods in Bali: At Least 9 Dead, Hundreds Displaced, Travel Disrupted
Bali, Indonesia — Severe flooding caused by continuous heavy rains since Tuesday evening has resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and affected approximately 600 residents across Bali, a popular Indonesian tourist destination. The floods have also caused widespread disruption to travel and infrastructure, officials reported on Wednesday.
According to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s national disaster mitigation agency, five fatalities occurred in the capital city of Denpasar. An additional four deaths were reported in the regions of Jembrana, Gianyar, and Badung. Officials also confirmed that two individuals remain missing as rescue operations continue.
The heavy rains inundated homes, forcing the evacuation of nearly 200 people to safer shelters such as schools and mosques. The disaster caused structural damage as well, with two buildings collapsing in Denpasar, according to I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the island’s search and rescue agency.
The flooding severely affected transportation routes, particularly the roads leading to Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali’s main gateway for international travelers. Access to the airport has been limited to trucks due to the waterlogged and blocked roads, causing significant travel delays. Social media footage showed major thoroughfares underwater, resulting in gridlocked traffic conditions.
Emergency personnel remain on high alert as rescue and relief efforts continue to support those impacted by the floods. Authorities are closely monitoring weather forecasts to prepare for any additional heavy rainfall that could exacerbate the situation on the island.
Bali, renowned for its beaches and vibrant tourism industry, is now grappling with the aftermath of this natural disaster, as communities work to recover and resume normalcy amid ongoing challenges.
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