Denpasar. The Bali provincial government has officially lifted its flood emergency status and shifted to a recovery phase running from Sept. 17 to Dec. 17, following weeks of heavy flooding that left 18 people dead and four missing.

The emergency status had been in place since Sept. 10, after widespread flooding hit 163 locations across the island. The hardest-hit areas included Denpasar with 81 inundated sites, Tabanan (28), Jembrana (23), Gianyar (15), Badung (12), and Karangasem (4). Many displaced residents were forced to stay in shelters or with relatives.

Denpasar Mayor, I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara, mentioned the recovery phase will focus on repairing infrastructure, restoring public services, and supporting affected residents.

“Based on the governor’s directives, Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) assessments, and Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD)’s rapid evaluation, we are shifting from emergency to recovery status for three months,” Jaya Negara said.

Education facilities were among the first to be restored, with schools now able to resume normal teaching. The city government is distributing school supplies, including uniforms, books, and shoes, to students who lost their belongings in the disaster.

Healthcare services are also being expanded, with hospitals, both public and private, offering free treatment in flood-affected areas, prioritizing pregnant women, the elderly, and children.

To revive the local economy, small businesses and traders verified as flood victims will receive Rp 10 million each in financial assistance. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) will provide up to Rp 60 million per damaged home, while 638 traders at Denpasar’s Kumbasari and Badung traditional markets are set to receive a total of Rp 4.6 billion in recovery aid from the provincial government.

Meanwhile, residents, supported by volunteers, police, and military personnel, continue clearing debris and mud from main roads to restore access and mobility across Bali.