Six Dead as Flash Floods Devastate Bali, Disrupting Popular Tourist Spot
Bali, Indonesia – Severe flash floods triggered by torrential rains have claimed the lives of six people on the Indonesian island of Bali, a renowned destination for tourists. The floods have swept across four districts since late Tuesday, resulting in widespread damage, evacuations, and significant travel disruptions.
According to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), persistent heavy rainfall caused flooding across multiple areas, forcing authorities to evacuate 85 residents from affected regions. The flooding also triggered the collapse of two buildings in Denpasar, Bali’s capital.
Access to Bali’s main international airport, located near Denpasar, has been severely limited; only trucks are currently able to navigate the flooded roads. The head of Bali’s search and rescue agency, I Nyoman Sidakarya, reported that about 200 rescuers are actively deployed to assist those impacted by the disaster.
The floodwaters have left some parts of Bali still inundated as of Wednesday, exacerbating the disruption in this popular tourist hub known for its beaches, cultural landmarks, and vibrant tourism economy.
Additional Fatalities on Neighboring Island
Separate but related flash floods struck Flores island in East Nusa Tenggara province on Monday, cutting off road access and phone services in 18 villages. Suharyanto, chief of BNPB, confirmed that four people died in the Nagekeo district on Flores, with four others reported missing.
Seasonal and Climate Context
Indonesia’s monsoon season typically spans from November through April and frequently brings floods, landslides, and related hazards. However, climate change is contributing to altered storm patterns, making rain more intense and flash flooding events more frequent and severe.
Earlier in the year, heavy rains caused deadly floods and landslides on Java island, killing several people and displacing numerous residents.
The recent flooding in Bali draws attention to the growing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and underscores the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate adaptation measures.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging residents and tourists to stay informed and exercise caution as rescue and recovery operations proceed.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the natural hazards that can severely impact even the most popular and well-traveled destinations. Rescue teams remain vigilant in helping those affected as Bali and its neighboring provinces begin the road to recovery.
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