Bali’s extreme weather continued yesterday when 75-kilometer winds hit the island, tearing down trees, lighting and power cables in many streets. According to a report in Bali Post, the powerful gales were caused by Cyclone Riley, a tropical monsoon that has also been felt on the north-west coast of Australia.
The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BMKG) recorded 23 fallen trees in the Denpasar area alone yesterday, causing traffic delays, damage to property, and much worse.
At around 4:30pm yesterday, a local motorcyclist driving along Jl. Tukad Pakerisan in the Renon neighborhood was killed when a tree branch landed on his head. The victim, identified as Taufiqi Hudaya, 29, by Tribun Bali, died on the spot after the heavy collision cracked his helmet. Hudaya had reportedly married just a year ago and, tragically, leaves behind a wife and 2-month old baby. The incident also caused extensive damage to a car, pharmacy building, and another motorbike.
Meanwhile, a collapsing tree on Jl. Puputan, Renon, brought about serious injury to another motorist, I Komang Alit Astika. Struck by branches while driving along the road, the 29-year old suffered severe bruising and swelling around the head, according to the source. Though the blow reportedly knocked him out cold, Astika is currently receiving treatment at Sanglah Hospital.
A total of seven cars and three motorbikes were damaged by tumbling trees yesterday afternoon, according to the Tribun group’s coverage. In fact, this recent spate of extreme weather has wreaked havoc all over the island, causing mudslides in Tabanan and beach closures in the popular tourist resort of Kuta.
With more thunderstorms forecast, the BMKG is urging the public to stay alert to the potential hazards of falling trees, high sea waves, landslides, and flash floods. “Avoid sheltering under trees or billboards,” said Eka Putra Wirawan, a BMKG representative. “If possible, tall trees should be pruned. And you should avoid activities on the beach and in the sea,” he concluded, as quoted in Bali Post.
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