At least 17 people have died in Bali, Indonesia, following the island’s worst flooding in over a decade. Heavy rains last Tuesday and Wednesday caused widespread flooding and landslides. The capital, Denpasar, was particularly hard-hit, with eight victims found there. Rescue teams are still searching for those who are missing.
The floods submerged roads and damaged bridges, disrupting transport across the region. In just 24 hours, over 385mm of rain fell, causing hundreds to evacuate their homes. Typically, Indonesia experiences flooding during the wet season from September to March, but experts warn that climate change is causing more intense rainfall and frequent flash floods. Urban overdevelopment and deforestation are also making the situation worse.
The Indian monsoon, meanwhile, is causing severe flooding across half the country. The state of Punjab is facing its worst floods since 1988, with landslides killing hundreds. Neighboring Pakistan has evacuated over 2 million people from its eastern Punjab region due to monsoon-related floods that have claimed more than 900 lives since late June. This year’s monsoon started unusually early after India experienced its wettest May in 125 years.
In Australia, record rainfall and severe storms have also caused havoc. Sydney recorded 122mm of rain in just one day, marking its wettest September day since records began in 1879. Some parts of New South Wales experienced more than double their average rainfall in that time frame. This surge follows a notably wet August, making 2023 a potentially record-breaking year for rainfall.
The increasing frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events highlight a crucial issue: climate change. Scientists believe we need to take urgent action to address the root causes to protect vulnerable regions around the world.
For further information on climate impact and changing weather patterns, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides detailed reports and insights.
