At least 9 people have died in major floods on the Indonesian resort island of Bali. The water disaster forced hundreds of people to flee their homes, DPA reported, quoted by dariknews.bg, citing local emergency services.
The national disaster management agency said more than 600 residents in six districts were affected. Five bodies were found in Denpasar, the island's capital, and two people were still missing, the agency said in a statement.
The heavy rains that began yesterday have flooded main roads and cut off access to popular tourist destinations such as Kuta and Nusa Dua. In some places, the water reached chest-high, forcing the evacuation of residents and foreign tourists. Hotels, shops and hospitals were temporarily closed, local media reported.
Hundreds of residents were forced to take shelter in schools, mosques and community halls.
"Search and rescue operations, evacuation and providing people with basic necessities remain our priorities," agency chief Suharyanto said after arriving in Bali to coordinate the emergency response.
Indonesia is at risk of flooding and landslides during the rainy season, which usually peaks between November and March. Experts say poorly maintained drainage systems and rapid urban development in Bali, one of the world's most visited islands, have increased the risks of heavy rains outside the normal monsoon months.
The Meteorological Agency warned that unstable weather conditions could continue in the coming days as Indonesia transitions from the dry to the rainy season.