Death Toll from Indonesia Flash Floods Rises to 19

At least 19 people have died and several remain missing after severe flash floods struck two Indonesian islands, including the popular tourist destination Bali, officials confirmed yesterday.

Heavy rainfall starting late Tuesday triggered widespread flooding and landslides across seven districts of Bali, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. The agency’s spokesperson, Abdul Muhari, reported that the number of fatalities on Bali alone had climbed to 14, with two people still unaccounted for.

More than 500 residents were forced to evacuate, taking shelter in schools, mosques, and community halls that were converted into temporary housing. “Emergency crews are continuing search operations and working to manage the flooding and landslides,” Abdul said.

On Flores island, five people were confirmed dead in Nagekeo district, including a child discovered yesterday, said local rescue chief Fathur Rahman. Teams are still searching for three missing people using excavators and thermal drones.

While weather conditions improved in Bali’s capital Denpasar on Thursday, the country’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency has warned that more rainfall could hit Bali and nearby provinces in the coming days.

Indonesia’s annual monsoon season, usually from November to April, often triggers deadly floods and landslides. Experts note that climate change has intensified rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of such disasters.

Environmental group 350.org said the tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger climate action. “We call on President Prabowo Subianto to set bold emission reduction targets and ensure a transition to 100% renewable energy,” said campaigner Suriadi Darmoko.

Earlier this year, floods and landslides claimed dozens of lives in Java, with 25 people killed in Central Java in January and three more in March when heavy rain inundated multiple towns.