Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — A tornado struck the villages of Banjar Soka and Bugbugan Sari in Senganan, Penebel District, Tabanan Regency, Bali, on Saturday, January 18, 2025. The local Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reported that the strong winds caused minor damage to several homes and sacred community structures.
Extent of the Damage
According to Nyoman Giri Srinadha, Head of BPBD Tabanan, the tornado caused damage to three houses and various sacred sites.
“Our team on the ground reported damage to residential buildings and sacred sites. Fortunately, the damage is classified as minor,” Giri said, as quoted by Antara.
The affected structures included garages, roofs, and tiles of the damaged homes. Additionally, a community meeting hall (wantilan), a religious school (pasraman), and a communal gathering pavilion were also impacted.
The village of Soka Kangin was the hardest hit by the tornado. However, Giri emphasized that there were no casualties, which he considered a relief given the severity of the weather conditions.
Community Advised to Stay Vigilant
BPBD has urged residents of Tabanan Regency to remain cautious during the ongoing extreme weather. “We advise the community to stay alert, especially with the current unpredictable weather patterns,” Giri stated.
Tourists Urged to Avoid Dangerous Areas
In addition to advising local residents, I Gusti Made Beratha, Head of Public Relations for the Tabanan Police, issued a warning to tourists visiting the region’s popular coastal attractions.
“To prevent unwanted incidents, we ask tourists to stay away from the shoreline, especially during high tides,” Beratha said.
The reminder comes in light of a recent tragedy in Tabanan where an Australian tourist and a local fisherman lost their lives in rough seas at Pasut Beach.
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A Wake-Up Call for Preparedness
The tornado serves as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather events. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary support to affected communities.
As Bali enters a period of unpredictable weather, both residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.
(Becky)
