Indonesia is Drowning: Floods Kill 19 Dead, 6 Missing 

The death toll from devastating flash floods and landslides in Indonesia has risen to at least 19, with authorities on Thursday continuing the search for six people still reported missing. Torrential rains beginning Monday have caused widespread devastation across the tourist island of Bali and East Nusa Tenggara province.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) confirmed that the casualty count had increased, with the majority of the deaths occurring on Bali. The floods, which began after days of continuous, heavy rain, have submerged thousands of homes, destroyed businesses, and blocked major transportation routes.

A Tale of Two Disasters

In East Nusa Tenggara, the floods have claimed the lives of at least six people. Rescuers on Wednesday recovered the bodies of a mother and her child who were buried under mud in the hard-hit village of Mauponggo, where three other family members were previously found dead. The severe weather and rugged terrain in the area have hampered rescue efforts, with two bridges, government offices, and farmlands completely destroyed.

Meanwhile, on the island of Bali, the death toll has climbed to 13. Officials reported that eight bodies were found earlier, including four people who were swept away inside a building in the Kumbasari market area of South Denpasar. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed hundreds of personnel, including soldiers and police, to search for the missing and assist in evacuations.

Widespread Damage and Disruption

The flooding has overwhelmed rivers, tearing through nine districts and cities in Bali. In the capital, Denpasar, emergency status was declared as floodwaters reached up to 2.5 meters in some areas, forcing more than 800 residents to seek shelter.

Videos released by the Basarnas show cars floating in muddy waters and rescuers in rubber boats helping residents trapped on rooftops. The floods have caused material losses for both traders and tourism businesses, with dozens of shops and homes destroyed and electricity and water services cut off.

The heavy seasonal rains, which typically occur from September to March, are a recurring threat to Indonesia, often triggering floods and landslides. However, a German music producer visiting Bali, Philipp Peltz, noted that in his more than a decade of visits, he has "never seen flooding like this," highlighting growing concerns about the impact of climate change and rapid infrastructure development.