The extreme weather that’s been sweeping Bali lately has been wreaking havoc all over the island. On Monday night, a mudslide in Tabanan caused a house to collapse into the river below, and since yesterday, Kuta Beach has been closed for swimming and surfing due to dangerous conditions.
According to a report by Kumparan, the decision to close the popular tourist beach was made yesterday morning when heavy rain, strong currents, and waves as high as three meters were observed by lifeguards.
The head of Badung Surf Lifesaving Association, I Ketut Ipel, said that an additional hazard was caused by the buildup of sharp tree branches and other garbage on the shore.
“We’re monitoring the garbage too. The coastal stretch running from Kuta to Legian and Seminyak is full of rubbish. It’s very dangerous for visitors to swim,” said Ipel.
Raw footage posted on @denpasar.viral today shows the sheer volume of organic and non-organic debris washed up onto the shoreline:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs9THynHlrJ/
Beaches further up the coast, including Legian, Petitenget, Batu Belig, and Canggu, have also reportedly been closed due to hazardous conditions.
Despite the ban, some tourists are apparently determined not to let the weather ruin their holidays. “I’ve been here [Kuta Beach] twice and I think it’s still safe,” said Ana, a Californian surfer to Kumparan.
The water will be open for surfing and swimming again once the waves and currents are declared safe, though that’s not expected to be for another couple of days yet, at least.
Meanwhile, officers from the Environmental and Hygiene Agency (DLHK) of Badung Regency have deployed heavy equipment machinery to clear the debris.
