Disaster Strikes, Buleleng Regency Yet to Declare a State of Emergency
The Buleleng Regency Government has not yet declared a state of emergency despite flash floods sweeping through several areas in the Gumi Panji Sakti. The disaster has caused fatalities and affected hundreds of homes.
The disaster was triggered by heavy rains that drenched Buleleng on Friday night, 6 March 2026. The disaster occurred in five districts: Banjar, Seririt, Gerokgak, Busungbiu, and Kubutambahan.
The areas with the most severe impact were in Banjar District. In Banjar Village, flash floods reportedly swept away four residents. In addition, 253 homes were affected by the flash floods.
Buleleng Regent Nyoman Sutjidra said the local government is still conducting a study before declaring a state of emergency.
“On the issue of declaring a disaster, we are conducting a thorough study of the incident that has hit these five districts,” Sutjidra said.
Nevertheless, Sutjidra stressed that on-the-ground response is being carried out as if in an emergency situation. According to him, the response is being carried out through coordination among various parties, ranging from the TNI-Polri, to the provincial and regency BPBDs, and volunteers.
“Even though there is no disaster declaration yet, our response has been proceeding with the coordination of TNI-Polri, the provincial government, the provincial BPBD, the regency BPBD, volunteers, PMI, and village and district officials,” Sutjidra said.
The local government, Sutjidra added, has also set up a disaster response post to speed up handling on the ground, including search for victims.
“Coordination has been carried out, and the post has been formed. The hope is that during the search process no issues arise so that we can work as effectively as possible,” he explained.
In addition to search and rescue, the government has begun taking several further measures, including cleaning up the affected areas, providing medicines, and recovery efforts for the families of victims and affected residents.