At least 14 dead as heavy flooding hits Bali

Extensive rainfall has triggered severe flooding across much of Indonesia’s Bali island, a destination hugely popular with international tourists. Disaster officials have described it as «the island’s worst floods in a decade,» with at least 14 people confirmed dead, the BBC reported.

Rescuers are still searching for survivors. Bali’s search and rescue chief, Nyoman Sidakarya, said teams have faced «difficulty accessing the flooded areas.»

Evacuations have been underway since Sept. 9, after homes were submerged by floodwaters. According to Reuters, torrential rains caused flooding in Denpasar, the island’s capital, and in six of Bali’s eight regions.

The island’s climatology station recorded more than 385 millimeters of rainfall in just 24 hours. Although rains are forecast to weaken from Sept. 11, Bali remains under a severe weather warning, the BBC reported.

Eight of the victims were found in Denpasar, three in Gianyar, and one in Badung Regency. According to authorities, electrocution claimed two people who were swept away in Jembrana Regency. Two are reported missing in the capital.

Tourist areas have also been hit hard, with hotels and businesses struggling to address the consequences of the disaster. The provincial government has declared a week-long state of emergency.