The death toll from devastating floods and landslides that struck two Indonesian islands, including popular tourist destination Bali, has climbed to 23, authorities confirmed on Friday. At least five others remain missing.
Torrential rains late Tuesday unleashed flash floods across Bali, where 14 people have now been confirmed dead. On the neighbouring island of Flores, the disaster has claimed five lives.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said four more bodies were recovered on Friday, while search efforts continue for two people still unaccounted for.
BNPB chief Suharyanto said relief supplies including food, clothing, and bedding have been distributed to affected communities, estimating damages at around 25 billion rupiah ($1.52 million).
Search operations in Flores’ Nagekeo district have been hindered by debris left in the wake of Monday’s flash floods, with rescuers still looking for three missing residents.
Indonesia’s annual monsoon season, usually between November and April, regularly triggers landslides and flooding. But climate change has intensified storm patterns, bringing heavier rains, stronger winds, and longer periods of severe weather.
In recent months, floods and landslides have repeatedly battered the country: three people were killed in Java in March, while at least 25 lost their lives in Central Java in January.
