Bali Faces Devastating Floods, Claiming 14 Lives in the Worst Deluge in a Decade
At least 14 people have lost their lives in Bali, Indonesia, following what officials are calling the island’s most devastating floods in a decade. Torrential rains caused rivers to overflow, leading to widespread flooding across the region. Although the rain has ceased and water levels are beginning to drop, rescue teams continue to search for survivors, with two individuals still unaccounted for in Denpasar, where eight of the fatalities occurred. The provincial government has declared a week-long state of emergency as the community grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Severe Impact on Residents and Infrastructure
The flooding has forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes, which have been submerged under water. Major roads have been rendered impassable due to landslides, and at least two bridges have sustained damage. Local resident Tasha expressed her shock at the severity of the flooding, stating, “I thought Bali had adequate drainage.” The provincial government is working to address the situation, but rescue teams are facing challenges in accessing flooded areas. Nyoman Sidakarya, head of Bali’s search and rescue agency, noted that even trucks are struggling to navigate through the inundated regions.
Government Response and Assistance
In response to the crisis, President Prabowo Subianto has extended his condolences and instructed relevant agencies to act swiftly. His cabinet secretary emphasized the importance of providing targeted aid to those affected. As the situation unfolds, at least 85 individuals have been relocated to temporary shelters in the Jembrana district, while two buildings in Denpasar collapsed due to the flooding. The government is mobilizing resources to assist those in need, but the extent of the damage has made recovery efforts challenging.
Wider Effects Across Indonesia
Bali is not the only region facing the consequences of heavy rainfall and flash floods. In the neighboring East Nusa Tenggara province, at least three people have died, with two others injured and four reported missing. The disaster agency has been actively monitoring the situation, as more than 385mm of rain fell within a 24-hour period in Bali. Popular tourist areas have also been significantly impacted, with hotels and businesses struggling to cope with the disruptions caused by the flooding.
Long-Term Concerns and Weather Warnings
Bali remains under a severe weather warning, although forecasts indicate that rainfall may become less intense starting Thursday. Officials have pointed out that the island’s drainage systems have been exacerbated by waste management issues, contributing to the flooding. Landslides and flash floods are common during Indonesia’s rainy season, and experts warn that climate change is intensifying these events. As the community begins to recover, the focus will be on addressing the underlying infrastructure challenges to prevent future disasters.
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