Credited from: BBC
Indonesia is currently facing grave flooding issues as a result of torrential rains, with the death toll rising to 21 people. Most of the casualties occurred on the tourist hotspot of Bali and in the neighboring province of East Nusa Tenggara. As of Thursday, authorities continue to search for four individuals who remain missing in the aftermath of these floods, which have been described as the worst faced by the region in a decade, according to Al Jazeera, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.
Reports indicate that continuous heavy rains led to floodwaters reaching up to three meters high, submerging homes and causing widespread damage. Evacuations were initiated, with nearly 600 people seeking shelter in public facilities like schools and mosques across Bali, particularly in Denpasar, as roads and bridges became impassable due to mudslides and flooding. These conditions have drawn attention to the need for improved urban management and infrastructure, which have long been contributing factors to the island's susceptibility to flooding, according to BBC and South China Morning Post.
Emergency services are now focused on recovery efforts, with search teams employing rescue workers, police, and military personnel to find the missing and clear debris. The national government has declared a week-long state of emergency to mobilize additional resources for disaster response. Rescuers are utilizing heavy equipment and drones to aid in their missions, especially in more remote areas impacted by the floods, as mentioned by Al Jazeera and The Jakarta Post.
Overall, while some areas are starting to see improvements in conditions as water levels recede, the situation remains critical with ongoing threats posed by weather patterns and inadequate infrastructure, according to Channel News Asia and BBC.