At least 15 people have died and 10 remain missing after torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province and the tourist island of Bali, officials said on Wednesday.
In East Nusa Tenggara, rescuers recovered the bodies of a mother and child buried under mud in Mauponggo village, and a man in neighbouring Loka laba. Earlier, three family members were found dead after their house was swept away, with four others missing in Mauponggo.
In Bali, eight bodies were found, including four people in a building swept away in the Kumbasari market area of South Denpasar. A woman's body was retrieved near Badung market. Rescuers are searching for six missing people in the province.
Rivers burst their banks, flooding nine cities and districts in Bali. Mud, rocks, and trees tumbled onto hamlets, submerging at least 112 neighbourhoods and causing landslides. Videos showed cars floating in muddy waters as rescuers helped people from rooftops.
Authorities cut electricity and water, forcing hotels and hospitals to use generators. Over 800 people were in temporary shelters after floodwaters reached 2.5 metres in places. The disaster caused material losses for traders and tourism businesses, said Bali Governor Wayan Koster.
In Nagekeo district, flash floods swept away villagers and vehicles, triggering a landslide that blocked three roads and destroyed bridges, government offices, and farmland. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs said its consulate in Bali was ready to assist affected citizens.
