At least 14 individuals have died in Bali, Indonesia, following severe flooding described by officials as the worst the island has experienced in a decade. Torrential rains caused major flooding, leading to rivers overflowing. Although rainfall has ceased and water levels are beginning to recede, rescue efforts are ongoing, with two individuals reported missing in Denpasar, where eight of the fatalities occurred.
Since Tuesday, hundreds of residents have been evacuated as their homes became submerged. Significant road closures have been enacted due to landslides, and at least two bridges have sustained damage. The provincial government has declared a state of emergency for one week.
President Prabowo Subianto expressed condolences in a statement and has instructed relevant agencies to provide immediate and targeted aid. Nyoman Sidakarya, the head of Bali’s search and rescue agency, noted challenges in accessing flooded areas due to the extent of the floods, indicating that even trucks were struggling to pass through.
Among the reported deaths, two individuals were electrocuted and swept away by strong currents in Jembrana Regency. Other casualties included eight found dead in Denpasar, three in Gianyar, and one in Badung County. Temporary shelters have been set up for at least 85 people in Jembrana District, while two structures in Denpasar collapsed.
The flooding has also impacted other regions, including East Nusa Tenggara province, where the disaster agency has reported three deaths, two injuries, and four missing persons. Over a 24-hour period, Bali recorded more than 385 mm of rain.
Tourist areas have been adversely affected, with hotels and businesses facing significant disruptions. Officials have pointed to clogged drainage systems as a contributing factor to the flooding, highlighting ongoing waste management and infrastructure issues in the region. Currently, Bali remains under a severe weather warning, though lighter rains are anticipated starting Thursday.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9dx5jyqz97o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss