What Happened in Indonesia's Recent Floods?
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Synopsis
A tragic series of floods in Indonesia has left 19 dead and 10 missing after heavy rains. With climate change intensifying weather patterns, the situation raises concerns for future natural disasters. Read on for more details on the unfolding disaster.
Key Takeaways
- 19 fatalities and 10 missing individuals reported.
- Flash floods and 18 landslides occurred in Bali and East Nusa Tenggara.
- Rainfall reached up to 150 mm in some areas.
- Rescue operations are ongoing.
- Climate change is intensifying rainfall and increasing disaster risks.
Jakarta, Sep 11 (NationPress) Torrential rains have led to devastating floods resulting in the deaths of at least 19 individuals and leaving 10 others unaccounted for on Indonesia's Bali Island and in the East Nusa Tenggara region.
According to Gusti Ayu Ketut Wijayanti, the spokesperson for Bali's National Search and Rescue Agency, flash floods have claimed the lives of 13 individuals while six remain missing on the island. Various areas have also experienced significant flooding and 18 landslides.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency of Indonesia reported rainfall levels reaching up to 150 millimeters in certain parts of Bali from Tuesday to Wednesday and cautioned that heavy rainfall is forecasted to persist throughout the week.
In East Nusa Tenggara, flooding has caused extensive damage to homes and agricultural land, prompting residents to seek shelter on higher ground.
Gasper Losa Manisa, head of the emergency unit at the provincial Disaster Management and Mitigation Agency, confirmed that the floods have resulted in six fatalities and four missing persons, with ongoing rescue efforts.
Typically, Indonesia's rainy season spans from November to April, a time when the region is susceptible to floods, landslides, and associated health risks. However, due to climate change, the rainy season has been extended and rainfall has intensified, leading to more severe disasters in recent years.
Rescuers reported on Wednesday that they had discovered the bodies of a mother and her child buried under mud in the severely affected village of Mauponggo, along with a man found in the nearby village of Loka Laba in East Nusa Tenggara's Nagekeo district. Earlier, three family members were found deceased after their house was swept away, with four more still missing in Mauponggo.
Intense rain caused rivers to overflow, inundating nine cities and districts in Bali. Mud, rocks, and trees cascaded down mountainsides, flooding over 112 neighborhoods and leading to multiple landslides, as stated by Bali’s Disaster Mitigation Agency.
Point of View
It’s imperative to report on the ongoing situation in Indonesia with empathy and accuracy. The floods not only highlight the immediate human toll but also raise critical questions about climate resilience and disaster preparedness in the region.
NationPress
03/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the floods in Indonesia?
The floods were caused by days of heavy rainfall, which resulted in flash floods and landslides.
How many people are missing in the floods?
Currently, 10 individuals are reported missing due to the floods in Bali and East Nusa Tenggara.
What areas were affected by the floods?
The floods have primarily impacted Bali Island and East Nusa Tenggara province.
How is the government responding to the disaster?
The government is actively conducting rescue operations and providing aid to affected residents.
What can be done to mitigate future flooding?
Improving infrastructure, enhancing climate resilience, and implementing effective disaster management strategies are essential to mitigate future floods.
