Indonesian authorities have reported that at least 11 bodies have been recovered following devastating flash floods that struck East Nusa Tenggara and Bali. The torrential rains, which began on a Monday, have resulted in significant flooding and landslides across these regions, leaving 13 individuals unaccounted for.
Tragic incidents were reported in Nagekeo district, East Nusa Tenggara, where three family members were found dead after their home was swept away; five others from the same area remain missing. In Bali, rescuers discovered eight bodies in various locations, while eight residents have also not been located. The police chief of Denpasar, Bali’s provincial capital, noted that heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow, impacting nine cities and districts across the island.
The situation has worsened as mudslides and rising water levels submerged at least 112 neighbourhoods, necessitating rescue efforts that have included using rubber boats to evacuate residents stranded on the roofs of their homes. Visuals released by the National Search and Rescue Agency highlighted vehicles being swept away in the floodwaters, with local soldiers and rescuers assisting those affected.
In addition to loss of life, thousands of homes and businesses have been severely damaged or submerged in floodwaters, particularly around tourist areas. The flooding has also caused power and water outages, prompting the use of generators in public facilities, according to Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster.
The disaster has also led to landslides in 18 neighbourhoods in the Karangasem, Gianyar, and Badung districts, while damaging shops, roads, and bridges. More than 800 individuals have been relocated to temporary shelters as they await assistance; floodwaters in some areas reached as high as 2.5 metres.
The National Disaster Management Agency has indicated that the flash floods in Nagekeo not only resulted in fatalities but also swept away vehicles and caused landslides that blocked essential roads, with reports of three villagers losing their lives and four additional people missing.
These recent extreme weather events are not unprecedented in Indonesia, as the country frequently experiences heavy seasonal rains from September to March, which often lead to flooding and landslides across its diverse terrain. Rescue operations continue to face challenges due to the severe conditions and difficult landscape.