Bali’s Worst Floods in a Decade Result in 14 Deaths
At least 14 people have lost their lives as severe flooding, described as the worst to hit Bali in ten years, swept across the Indonesian island. Torrential rains triggered rivers to overflow their banks, submerging homes and causing widespread disruption.
The heavy downpour, which has since eased, prompted urgent rescue efforts as teams continue to search for survivors. Two individuals remain missing in Denpasar, Bali’s capital city, which accounted for eight of the fatalities.
Since Tuesday, hundreds of residents have been evacuated from their flooded homes, with many seeking refuge in temporary shelters. Landslides have closed major roads and damaged at least two bridges, complicating relief efforts. Nyoman Sidakarya, head of Bali’s search and rescue agency, reported significant difficulties in reaching affected areas due to high water levels and obstructed routes.
Among the deceased, two people in Jembrana Regency—located in the island’s southwest—died from electrocution and were swept away by the floodwaters. Other casualties include eight victims in Denpasar, three in Gianyar, and one in Badung County. In Jembrana alone, 85 people have been moved to shelter centers, while in Denpasar, two buildings have collapsed because of the flooding.
The provincial government has declared a week-long state of emergency to manage the disaster response. President Prabowo Subianto conveyed his condolences and directed all relevant agencies to act swiftly, emphasizing the importance of targeted aid to support those affected.
The extreme weather conditions have not been confined to Bali. Neighboring East Nusa Tenggara province also faced flash floods and heavy rains, resulting in three deaths, two injuries, and four missing persons as reported by local disaster authorities.
Meteorological data recorded over 385 millimeters of rainfall within 24 hours at a climatological station in Bali. This intense rain has overwhelmed drainage systems, some of which were clogged by accumulated rubbish, exacerbating the flooding. The island has long dealt with challenges related to waste management and infrastructure inadequacies.
Popular tourist destinations across Bali have been significantly impacted, with hotels and businesses facing operational difficulties amid the floods. Despite the rains subsiding, a severe weather warning remains in effect, with authorities expecting lighter showers in the coming days.
Officials note that landslides and flash floods are common during Indonesia’s rainy season, and climate change is worsening these events. Continued efforts are underway to manage the crisis and support the affected communities on the island.
Background on Flooding in Indonesia
Indonesia regularly experiences flooding and landslides during its monsoon season, particularly in regions with challenging terrain and infrastructure limitations. These natural disasters frequently result in loss of life, displacement, and damage to property. Initiatives to improve drainage systems, waste management, and disaster preparedness are critical to reducing the impact of future events.
As Bali and other parts of Indonesia recover from this latest disaster, emergency responders and government agencies remain focused on rescue operations, damage assessment, and delivering aid to those in need.
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