Flash floods triggered by torrential rain have devastated parts of Indonesia, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and leaving six individuals unaccounted for. The floods, which began on March 14, 2024, primarily affected the tourist island of Bali and the East Nusa Tenggara province. Rescue operations are now underway as waters recede, allowing teams to search for survivors buried under debris and mud.
The heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, flooding nine cities and districts on Bali. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the floods caused landslides that buried homes in mud and rock. Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the BNPB, stated that rescuers have recovered five additional bodies, raising the death toll on Bali to 14. Efforts continue to locate two residents still missing.
As the water levels returned to normal on March 15, residents of Denpasar, Bali’s capital, emerged from crowded emergency shelters. The streets were left in disarray, strewn with mud, debris, overturned vehicles, and personal belongings. Authorities seized the opportunity to begin cleanup operations, with many residents having lost their homes and belongings. Electricity has been restored to tens of thousands of households and businesses.
The floods have had a devastating economic impact. Reports indicate that approximately 474 kiosks and small shops in art and public markets were destroyed, displacing hundreds of residents. Suharyanto, head of the BNPB, noted that around 600 rescue workers, police, and soldiers have been deployed to assist in recovery efforts. Currently, around 562 individuals are still housed in government shelters.
In East Nusa Tenggara, rescue teams are focused on the remote village of Mauponggo, where floodwaters swept away several homes and left substantial debris. Local police chief Dewa Putu Suariawan reported that search efforts are aimed at finding four missing individuals, including two toddlers. Rescuers have already retrieved six villagers from the floodwaters.
The challenging weather conditions and rugged terrain have complicated rescue operations, particularly with disruptions to electricity, clean water supplies, and telecommunications affecting 18 villages. Local Disaster Mitigation Agency head Agustinus Pone emphasized that ongoing efforts to restore critical services are essential for recovery.
Indonesia frequently faces seasonal rains from September to March, which often lead to flooding and landslides. As rescue efforts continue, many communities will require support to rebuild after this tragic event. The situation remains critical as authorities work diligently to locate missing individuals and assist those displaced by the floods.
