Tourists in Bali are being warned about the risk of tidal flooding at top beaches in the coming days.
From 11th-17th August, there is a serious risk of tidal flooding along vast stretches of southern Bali.
The Denpasar Region III Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged the public to be aware of the potential for tidal flooding along six areas’ coastlines in Bali from 11-17th August.
Speaking to reporters, the Head of Bali BMKG Cahyo Nugroho explained: “The cause is the perigee moon phase phenomenon.”
He explained that the perigee lunar phase marks the closest distance of the Moon to Earth, starting on August 10th and the new Moon on August 13th, which has the potential to increase the maximum sea level in several coastal areas. This is why there will be a total solar eclipse in Western Europe on the 12th August, with Portugal observing a rare total solar eclipse.
In Bali, the six coastal areas are the southern coast of Jembrana Regency, the southern coast of Tabanan Regency, the coast of Badung Regency, the coast of Denpasar City, the coast of Gianyar Regency, and the southern coast of Klungkung Regency. For those unfamiliar with Bali’s different regions, these areas include top beaches in popular tourist resort areas, including in Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Jimbaran and Uluwatu.
Tidal flooding is not uncommon in these areas, and while forecasts can predict a heightened risk, tidal swells often flood the beach. In some areas, sudden tidal flooding can wash away beach loungers and umbrellas. Consider this a warning to set up camp extra far from the shoreline at Bali’s top beach this week.
Nugroho told reporters that the potential for maximum tides varies depending on the time of day and hour in each region. It is best to check with local beach staff, beachfront vendors, and the local community about high tide lines on each beach and plan accordingly.
Tourists traveling to Bali should always keep an eye on the most recent weather reports. Since it is the dry season, the risk of extreme heat is heightened.
As the land becomes drier, the risk of wildfires increases, particularly in more inland areas, especially around Mount Batur and Kintamani. Areas of East Bali, in Karangasem Regency, are also at risk of wildfires during the dry season.
Tourists can easily keep an eye on the latest weather and wave reports from the Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency.
The BMKG Bali uploads weather reports in English daily to Instagram, as well as updates on wind, waves, and tides that are useful for tourists who are planning ocean tourism activities and traveling by boat between Bali and the outlying islands.
Tourists traveling to Bali should also make sure to have fully comprehensive travel insurance.
Tidal swells are a serious situation. Only last month did a local woman lose her life after a strong current swept out to sea during a freak tidal swell. Despite an immediate and intensive effort from Bali’s Search and Rescue, the woman’s life could not be saved.
Over the coming days, tourists traveling along all areas of Bali’s southern coast, including the outlying islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, should be extra mindful of the powers of the ocean. Surfers should also be extra cautious.
Remember that flag warning systems are not in place on every beach in Bali, and while most of the island’s most popular beaches have lifeguards on duty, most do not.
Stick with us here at The Bali Sun, and we’ll keep you updated with all the latest news and weather updates. For weather-specific updates, as well as general forecasts, be sure to also follow the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency for Bali on Instagram.
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