What a week it has been for Bali’s weather! As a frequent visitor to this stunning island, I can assure you that this past week has tested the resilience of both the locals and tourists alike.
Recently, while the sun managed to peek through the clouds at times, Bali is preparing for further heavy rains, fierce winds, and an elevated risk of natural disasters.
The Impact of Tropical Cyclone Seedling 96S
The recent arrival of Tropical Cyclone Seedling 96S has left its mark on Bali. With wind speeds hitting up to 72 km/h, local disaster management teams are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone on the island.
Earlier this week, flights faced disruptions, with some aircraft forced to circle before safely landing at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. As someone who has experienced Bali’s bustling airport during peak travel times, I can only imagine the confusion and concern among travelers.
Damage Reports and Safety Measures
On February 11th alone, the Bali Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported damages exceeding IDR 885 million. As we gathered in our hotel lobby to discuss our plans, it became clear that the focus was not just on enjoying the beautiful island, but also on being prepared for whatever nature had in store.
Throughout the week, there were 40 significant incidents reported, including fallen trees, with four tragic fatalities. Most of these incidents occurred in Gianyar Regency, near Ubud, and Tabanan Regency, famous for the magnificent Tanah Lot Temple.
Community Preparations and Appeals for Safety
In light of the severe conditions, BPBD Secretary Gede Agung Teja Bhusana Yadnya emphasized the importance of preparedness. “As a collaborative effort in facing potential disasters, we urge everyone to increase their readiness and participate actively in disaster mitigation,” he stated passionately.
Evacuations and Tourist Safety
On February 12th, I found myself glued to social media as news broke that tourists in Sanur were evacuated by rubber dinghies due to rising floodwaters. It’s hard to imagine being stranded in your accommodation while waiting for help, but BPBD Officers came through, ensuring everyone was safe and accounted for.
Officer Nyoman Gede Putra mentioned, “The tourists were in good spirits, despite the unsettling circumstances. They just needed a little assistance getting out of the villa.” As a traveler, I know how quickly a dream vacation can shift gears during a weather emergency.
Flight Updates and Monitoring Advice
If you’re currently traveling through Bali’s airports, it’s critical to stay updated with airline communications and the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport’s official Instagram account. The threat of more flight interruptions looms as a new weather front approaches.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, confirmed that flight changes were necessary this week. “Fifteen flights have been impacted due to weather conditions, mostly domestic,” he reported.
Among the affected flights were Wings Air and Lion Air, both of which had to find alternate routes. This can be frustrating, but safety must always come first! So if you’re traveling, make sure to reach out to your airline and arrive at the airport early.
What Lies Ahead for Bali
The latest weather updates from the Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency indicate that thunderstorms and heavy rains are expected to continue affecting popular tourist areas through February 14th. As I sit here reflecting on my Bali experiences, I can appreciate the island’s beauty and how quickly factors beyond our control can alter plans.
As the weekend approaches, we can anticipate that while the storms may lessen, heavy rains will persist across Badung Regency, Gianyar Regency, and Tabanan Regency. It’s crucial for everyone—local residents and visitors alike—to remain vigilant and prepared for what nature may bring.
In times of extreme weather, while adventures might be cut short, the shared resilience of the Balinese people and the unity among travelers remind us of the strength we can find in each other. So let’s stay safe, support one another, and we’ll all return to enjoy the beauty of Bali once again, when it’s ready to welcome us back!
