In a devastating incident in Bali’s Tabanan Regency, a tourist couple lost their lives in a landslide early Thursday morning. The victims, identified as 47-year-old Angelina Smith from Australia and her partner Luciano Kross, 50, from the Netherlands, were tragically swept away in the landslide in Jatiluwih, Tabanan.
The catastrophe unfolded around 4 am on Thursday, March 14th, as confirmed by local authorities. The nightguard at the Yeh Baat Villas quickly raised the alarm upon witnessing the landslide. The couple, found amidst the debris, were recovered in a somber scene, still in a sleeping position, covered by blankets, with no apparent serious injuries.
Authorities explained that the tragedy was spurred by a blocked irrigation channel, exacerbated by intense winds. However, it’s emphasized that the villa’s construction did not directly cause the landslide. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, Villa Yeh Baat will be temporarily closed for approximately 5 to 6 months.
The circumstances leading to the couple’s presence at the villa on that fateful night revealed their intent to seek shelter despite adverse weather conditions and power outages. Despite warnings and power outages, Smith and Kross decided to stay, only to be caught in the disaster later. Their delayed identification prolonged the grieving process for their loved ones.
This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of heeding extreme weather warnings, especially in regions prone to natural disasters like Bali. Made Rentin, Chief Executive of the Bali Province Regional Disaster Management Agency, urged the public to remain vigilant and responsive to such warnings.
The tragedy adds to a string of weather-related fatalities in Bali this week. Earlier, a 29-year-old man lost his life when a tree fell on him as he rode his motorcycle to work. Nyoman Sumarta’s demise, coupled with the landslide tragedy, underscores the serious risks posed by extreme weather events in the region.
Indonesia, with its diverse landscapes, is particularly susceptible to flooding and landslides during the wet season, which typically starts around November. Deforestation exacerbates the situation in some areas, heightening the risk of such calamities.
As Bali mourns the loss of these individuals, authorities emphasize the importance of preparedness and caution in the face of unpredictable weather patterns, aiming to minimize future tragedies in this idyllic tourist destination.
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