Minister acts swiftly to tackle Bali flooding

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Public Works and Housing Dody Hanggodo has taken prompt action to respond to the flooding that struck Denpasar and Badung, Bali.

"We continue to prioritize the safety and comfort of affected communities. The ministry will provide full support in addressing the impact of the flooding in Bali," Hanggodo said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to Hanggodo, the ministry has implemented several emergency measures, including mobilizing heavy equipment to clear debris and supporting efforts to mitigate the impact of the disaster while ensuring the safety of residents.

In addition, the ministry, in collaboration with the Bali Penida River Basin Office (BWS), continues to coordinate closely with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), regional government, and the Denpasar City Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to monitor the latest conditions.

Mobile water pumps have been deployed to flood locations to facilitate rapid drainage, and excavators have been dispatched to clear debris from floodgates and in the Muara Reservoir.

Meanwhile, a rapid response team has also been deployed to the affected area, equipped with personnel and heavy machinery to provide immediate assistance when needed.

Further assessment are underway, including infrastructure inspection and on-site monitoring to ensure the handling process is running smoothly.

Water levels have begun to recede in several critical areas in Badung Regency, including Sunset Road, Legian Street, Raya Canggu Kerobokan Road, the Ngurah Rai Bypass, Setia Budi Road, and the Dewa Ruci Underpass (Simpang Siur). As a result, roads are now passable, allowing residents' activities and traffic flow in Bali's tourist areas return to normal.

The flooding occurred on Wednesday, Sept 10, at approximately 3.00 a.m. local time, triggered by extremely heavy rainfall.

According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the rainfall reached 245.5 millimeters (mm) within a single day.

This intense rainfall caused the water level of the Tukad Badung River to surge to 85.85 cubic meters per second, overflowing its banks and inundating residential areas and roads in the West Denpasar District of Denpasar City, Bali.