Six-Post Bale Collapses in Karangasem as Badung Hit by Winds
A strong windstorm that has swept across Bali over the past two days has caused damage in two regencies. In Karangasem, a bale patus or six-post bale in Banjar Dinas Pengawan, Desa Sibetan, Kecamatan Bebandem, collapsed. In Badung, seven trees were reported to have fallen, reportedly blocking the main Denpasar-Singaraja route.
The Karangasem incident occurred on Thursday (5 March 2026) in the afternoon. The 3x6 metre building collapsed after being struck by wind.
Kepala Pelaksana (Kalaksa) BPBD Karangasem Ida Bagus Ketut Arimbawa said the team immediately went to the site after receiving reports.
“After receiving reports of the incident, we immediately deployed a team to the scene to conduct an assessment with several related parties,” Arimbawa said.
The assessment showed significant damage to the roof. The wooden supports were also damaged after the building collapsed. Fortunately, no residents were at the site at the time, so there were no casualties or injuries.
“Based on the preliminary data we have gathered with the relevant parties, the loss is estimated at Rp 75 million,” Arimbawa said.
Lately, several areas in Karangasem, in addition to rain, have also been hit by strong winds. Residents were urged to stay vigilant, especially avoiding large trees and buildings that appear fragile.
Around the same period, strong winds also triggered several incidents in Badung Regency. BPBD Badung recorded seven reports of strong-wind impacts dominated by fallen trees since Wednesday (4 March) early morning until Thursday afternoon.
One of the worst incidents occurred in Werdi Bhuana village, Mengwi district. A roadside tree more than 7 metres tall toppled and blocked the main Denpasar-Singaraja route, causing traffic congestion.
“There have been seven reports of strong-wind impacts from Wednesday at 12 midnight until this afternoon, most of which involve fallen trees. Most of the trees felled are roadside trees that are tall and old,” said I Ketut Murdika, Head of Emergency and Logistics at BPBD Badung.
A tree trunk that blocked the entire road briefly disrupted traffic. However, officials confirmed that no public facilities were seriously damaged at the seven locations.
“The incident on the Denpasar-Singaraja route involved a tree taller than 7 metres that obstructed traffic because it lay across the road. No public facilities were directly affected, only one at the cemetery near Pura Prajapati,” Murdika said.
Around 14.30 Wita on Thursday (5/3), another ornamental tree at the same location toppled and briefly blocked access. BPBD Badung confirmed that none of the wind-related events resulted in loss of life or injuries.
“Indeed, around quarter to three this afternoon another ornamental tree toppled across the road at the same location. We assure there were no fatalities in this sequence of incidents,” Murdika concluded.
(dpw/dpw)