Bali Floods Claim Nine lives, Emergency Response Declared
Denpasar, Bali – A series of floods across Bali have resulted in teh deaths of nine people, authorities confirmed Wednesday. The fatalities were reported in Denpasar,Badung,Gianyar,and Jembrana regencies,prompting the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to declare a one-week emergency response status to facilitate aid and recovery efforts.
The floods, which began earlier this week, have displaced residents and caused significant damage to infrastructure. the emergency declaration allows the central goverment to provide assistance to the regional government in handling the disaster’s impact, following a formal request for aid. While the scale of the disaster did not necessitate the initially considered two-week emergency period, BNPB Head Lieutenant General Suharyanto emphasized the status is crucial for coordinating effective relief.The victims identified include: Nadira (48, female), Rio Saputra (20, male), MRS X (female), and ”The Lenyot Vegetables” (gender unspecified) in Denpasar; Endang cafyaning Ayu (42, female) in Badung; Ni Made Latif (70, female) and Ni Made Rupeet (87, female) in Gianyar; and Komang Oka sudiastawa (34, male) and Nita Ulama (23, female) in Jembrana.
In Jembrana, a man died after coming into contact with a live electrical cable during the flooding. Residents were immediately instructed to cut off the electricity meter before evacuating the victim, but the attempt was unsuccessful. “The victim was found floating and died. Indeed there was a cable connection that was cut off,” stated Jembrana Regional Secretary,I Made Budiasa. The victim’s body is currently at the State Hospital mortuary awaiting floodwaters to recede.
Suharyanto clarified that the emergency status declaration does not indicate a critical or remarkable situation, but is a procedural step to unlock central government support. “One of the requirements is that the regional government asks for assistance…emergency alert and emergency response,” he said.