162 SAR personnel deployed to search for flood victims in Buleleng

The joint search and rescue (SAR) team continued its search for flood victims in Banjar village, Buleleng, Bali. A total of 162 personnel from various elements were deployed in the third day of the operation on Sunday, 8 March 2026, in the afternoon. “From 07:00 today we began taking on duties. A total of around 162 personnel involved from Basarnas, volunteers and other stakeholders,” said Kadek Donny Indrawan, Coordinator of the Buleleng SAR Post, during a press conference at the Command Post for Disaster Management, Banjar Police Station, on Sunday, 8 March 2026. “The two missing victims are Putu Wini (17) and Kadek Wahyu (14).” Meanwhile, two other victims, Komang Suci (44) and Dewa Ketut Adi Suarjana (55), have been found dead. Donny explained that the search was focused on several points deemed likely locations where the victims were swept away by the floodwaters. The ground team conducted sweeps along the river from Banjar Bridge to the estuary. The area was of particular concern due to piles of rubbish along the riverbank that could trap debris or victims carried by the current. In addition to the ground sweeps, the SAR team deployed a drone belonging to the Buleleng Police Resort (Polres Buleleng). Aerial surveillance was conducted to extend the search coverage to the northern area from where the victims were previously found. The SAR team also deployed two rubber boats to search the waters. The boats patrolled the sea area from the coast westward in line with the defined search pattern. Nevertheless, the search operation has not been easy. Donny revealed that the team faced a number of field challenges, particularly the large pile of rubbish in the river and the still-strong current. “We have coordinated with the relevant agencies and are currently assisted by heavy equipment to clear the pile,” he said. Overall, the on-land search area has covered about two kilometres from the bridge northwards to the coast. Meanwhile, the sea search extended to around 10 miles from the coastline. Donny added that the search would resume after a midday break at around 13:30 WITA. He also urged the public to report promptly if they find any signs potentially related to the flood victims.