‘Highest we have witnessed’: Bali inundated by deadly flash floods

Bali: At least 14 people are feared dead on the holiday island of Bali after the first heavy rain of the upcoming wet season caused some of the worst flash flooding locals have ever seen.

Combined with rubbish-blocked drains, the rain late on Tuesday and into Wednesday transformed small creeks and channels into raging torrents that collapsed buildings and caused traffic gridlock.

One taxi driver said it took five hours to complete the 20 kilometres from Canggu to the airport.

Tourist hotspots appeared to have escaped the worst of the floods, but a few low-lying areas were inundated. Video seen by this masthead showed some visitors travelling in a rescue boat over calm waters for higher ground. Others waded in knee-deep water.

Two people were confirmed to have died in the old area of Denpasar when rushing waters brought down an ageing four-storey building and parts of another, a moment caught on video.

Rescue workers hold grave fears for two more people still trapped in the debris. A further two survived and were being treated in hospital.

At a market near the collapsed building, at least one person was killed and two others were missing.

Rescue team leader Brama Budianto said the water level at 6.30am on Wednesday was the “highest we have ever witnessed”.

“We get the usual yearly flood, but never this high,” he said.

“The rubble is very fragile so we are still working out how to evacuate any bodies.

“The integrity of the neighbouring shops are all compromised and we have evacuated the whole Sulawesi Street until further notice.”

The Regional Disaster Management Agency said two more people were killed in Jembrana Regency, about 100 kilometres north-west of Bali’s airport.

The total number of dead and missing across Bali is at least 26. They are believed to be locals.

Four sub-districts of Denpasar were affected, along with Jembrana Regency, Sukawati District in Gianyar Regency, Kediri District in Tabanan Regency, and Dawan District in Klungkung Regency.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was ready to provide consular support should it be needed.

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