Denpasar. President Prabowo Subianto walked through the narrow alleys of Jalan Gajah Mada in Denpasar on Saturday to meet residents affected by severe flooding, pledging government support for those who lost their livelihoods.

The trip followed devastating floods and landslides in Bali on Sept. 9–10, which the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) described as the island’s worst hydrometeorological disaster in a decade. More than 120 flood points were recorded across seven districts and cities, with Denpasar alone accounting for 81. Gianyar reported 14, Badung 12, and Tabanan 8, while Karangasem, Jembrana, and Klungkung also faced severe inundation.

The death toll has risen to 18 as of Friday afternoon, while five people remain missing. The agency said at least 185 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. Search and rescue agency Basarnas is continuing efforts to locate the missing victims.

Dozens of residents crowded the streets to greet the president and share their grievances, including small traders who said their goods and capital had been washed away. One coffee vendor told Prabowo, “All my stock is gone, my capital is lost. How can we live now? Please help us, Mr. President.”

Prabowo held the resident’s hand and assured him that assistance would be provided. “You will be helped,” he said, drawing cheers from the gathered crowd.

The president, returning from state visits to Qatar and the UAE, arrived at Ngurah Rai Airport where he was welcomed by military and regional leaders before traveling in a tactical vehicle to flood-hit neighborhoods. His visit was part of a broader inspection of disaster zones across Bali to ensure swift recovery efforts.

BNPB chief, Suharyanto, briefed Prabowo on the causes of the disaster, attributing the heavy flooding to extreme weather linked to Rossby and Kelvin wave patterns. “This phenomenon usually occurs every five to ten years and has now shifted from East Java to West Java,” Suharyanto said.

Security during the visit was tight, with personnel from the military, police, and the Presidential Security Detail deployed as residents packed the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the president.

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