Bali’s rainy season only arrived a few weeks ago, but people are already calling it; this monsoon season could be the heaviest and most devastating in recent history.
Earlier this week, two tourists were killed by falling trees at Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest, and on Thursday afternoon, roads were turned into river torrents in East Bali following more heavy rainfall.
Video footage shared online shows a central village road in the relaxed coastal vacation destination of Tulamben, close to Amed in East Bali.
Heavy rainfall across Karangasem Regency has led rivers and draining systems to become quickly overloaded, resulting in flash flooding and powerful swells of rainwater, mud, and debris overflowing into village streets and central highways.
The Karangasem Regency Disaster Management Agency has confirmed that they are working around the clock to help local communities impacted by the flooding and are responding to reports of landslides and fallen trees throughout the region.
The agency has also drafted in more contract workers to offer more support to communities impacted by these natural disasters.
The rain in Karangasem Regency this week has been so heavy and persistent that a new waterfall has appeared on the slopes of Mount Agung.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency of Denpasar (BMKG) spoke to reporters as local communities reported this never-before-seen waterfall on the sacred peak.
The Coordinator of Analysis and Forecasting of the Bali Climatology Station for the BMKG Bali, Made Dwi Wiratmaja, shared, “The heavy flow of water on the mountain makes it look like a waterfall from a distance.”
“The land around Mount Agung is already saturated with water due to rain in the past week, so rainwater flows as runoff into the river channels on the mountain.”
Tourists planning on hiking Mount Agung or Mount Batur must have their guide check reports of conditions on the trail before embarking on these hikes.
Although incredibly popular, both hiking Mount Batur and Mount Agung require the navigation of technical trails and routes that become increasingly dangerous during heavy rains, strong winds and storms.
Tourists have been warned to be prepared for their hikes to be canceled, rerouted, or postponed during this rainy season.
The Head of the Sebudi Village Forest Management Institution, Wayan Widi Yasa, who is also a hiking guide, explained to reporters, “This phenomenon is visually appealing, but heavy rain also increases the risk on the hiking trail. The trail becomes slippery, the ground is unstable, and visibility is impaired.
He added, “Safety is the main thing. Make sure the weather and hiking trail are safe before starting the journey.”
Tourists are reminded that it is essential to book a licensed guide for treks and hikes on Mount Batur, Mount Agung, Trunyan Hill, Mount Abang, Mount Batukaru, and all of Bali’s major hiking trails.
While urban myths suggest that tourists can tackle the trails without the help of a guide, this is not the case.
Tourists are also encouraged to stop at the local temples at the entrance to each of the mountain’s hiking trails to make offerings and ask for safe passage on the peaks.
On Wednesday afternoon, at around 1 pm, a 10-year-old elementary school student was swept away by flash flooding in Songan Village in Kintamani.
The student, known by his initials KJA, was walking home from school and was swept away as he was playing in the rain while crossing a bridge.
A sudden surge of water is believed to have washed over the bridge and carried KJA away.
His body was recovered along the banks of the Banjar Batu Miyeh River in Tianyar Barat Village the same afternoon following an intensive search and rescue effort from the local community, Kintamani Police, and supporting agencies.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.