Bali floods kill 14, state of emergency declared

Severe floods triggered by continuous heavy rains have killed 19 people across Indonesia, including 14 in the tourist hotspot of Bali. 

Many remain missing as overflowing rivers and landslides devastate homes, roads, and infrastructure. Authorities have declared a week-long state of emergency in Bali, the worst flooding the region has seen in a decade.

Heavy rains began last Monday, affecting Bali and East Nusa Tenggara. In Denpasar, the capital of Bali, eight people have died and two are missing. Three deaths were reported in Gianyar and one in Badung County. Thousands have been evacuated to temporary shelters, with 85 displaced after two buildings collapsed.

President Prabowo Subianto has called for urgent rescue operations and relief for the displaced. Bali’s rescue chief, Nyoman Sidakarya, said that access to flooded areas remains difficult, even for trucks. Neighboring East Nusa Tenggara has also seen floods and at least three deaths.

Tourist areas have suffered significant damage, with hotels and sewage systems affected. The Bali Meteorological Department recorded 345 millimeters of rain in 24 hours. While rainfall is expected to ease, a severe weather warning remains in effect.

HKJ