Bali, a world-renowned tourist destination, is currently grappling with devastating floods that have claimed at least six lives and caused significant damage to critical infrastructure. The severe flooding began Tuesday evening and continued through Wednesday morning due to persistent heavy rainfall, leading to widespread disruption, submerged roads, and stranded residents.
In Denpasar, the island's capital, four people died when two buildings collapsed following the relentless downpour. The Jembrana region reported two additional fatalities, with 85 residents evacuated to safety. Rescue operations are ongoing in flooded areas, and authorities caution that the death toll may increase.
Access to Bali's international airport has been severely hampered by waterlogged roads, causing substantial travel disruptions. Social media is filled with images of major roads completely submerged, resulting in extensive traffic gridlock across the island. Officials are advising travelers to monitor airport advisories and avoid high-risk zones.
Approximately 200 rescue personnel are actively engaged in assisting stranded individuals and clearing debris from blocked routes. Flooding continues to be a persistent challenge in various parts of Bali as emergency teams work to restore essential services and ensure access to critical facilities.
The recent deluge underscores Bali's vulnerability to extreme weather, a concern exacerbated by broader climate trends impacting Indonesia. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported rainfall exceeding 150 millimeters in some areas and warned of continued rain for several more days, attributing the phenomenon to an active equatorial Rossby wave that intensified convective cloud growth.
These events have a significant impact beyond immediate safety, affecting Bali's vital tourism sector. In recent years, Bali has experienced an increase in extreme weather events, including heavy rains and high tides, which have damaged infrastructure and disrupted visitor experiences, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies in urban planning and infrastructure resilience amidst a changing climate.