Deadly Floods Devastate Bali, Claiming Lives and Disrupting Tourism
At least 14 people have died in Bali, Indonesia, due to severe flooding described by officials as the worst in a decade. Torrential rains triggered the disaster, submerging homes and damaging infrastructure across the island, including major roads and bridges. The floods have also disrupted tourism, a vital part of Bali's economy.
The Impact of the Floods
The intense rainfall caused rivers to overflow, leading to widespread flooding. "People here were shocked. The flooding was so bad," said Tasha, a Bali resident, to BBC News Indonesia. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated since Tuesday, and rescue teams are still searching for survivors, with two people missing in Denpasar, where eight of the deaths occurred.
Two people died from electrocution in Jembrana Regency, swept away by the current. Authorities found eight other victims dead in Denpasar, Bali's capital, three in Gianyar, and one in Badung County. At least 85 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters in Jembrana, while two buildings collapsed in Denpasar.
Government Response and State of Emergency
The provincial government has declared a week-long state of emergency. President Prabowo Subianto expressed his condolences and instructed relevant agencies to act "swiftly" and provide "targeted aid," according to his cabinet secretary. Nyoman Sidakarya, head of Bali's search and rescue agency, reported that rescue teams faced "difficulty accessing the flooded areas."
"Floods are everywhere, even trucks can barely pass through," said Nyoman Sidakarya to local news agency Antara.
Broader Regional Impacts and Climate Change
Bali is not the only island in Indonesia affected by the recent extreme weather. In neighboring East Nusa Tenggara province, at least three people have died, two were injured, and four are missing. More than 385mm of rain fell in 24 hours in Bali.
Scientists with World Weather Attribution (WWA) have found links between climate change and intensified monsoon rainfall, exacerbating flooding in various parts of the world. They state that "Climate change is likely causing parts of the water cycle to speed up as warming global temperatures increase the rate of evaporation worldwide." Similar connections have been drawn to flooding events in other regions, including the United States.
The Role of Waste Management and Infrastructure
Officials in some areas of Bali suggest that rubbish-clogged drainage systems worsened the floods. The island has long struggled with waste management problems and poor infrastructure, contributing to the severity of the disaster.
Outlook and Future Concerns
While rains are expected to be less intense from Thursday, Bali remains under a severe weather warning. Landslides and flash floods are common in the Indonesian archipelago during the rainy season, and climate change is exacerbating the situation. The recent events highlight the urgent need for improved infrastructure, waste management, and disaster preparedness in the region.
