Tourist hotspot Bali braces for coastal flooding from August 11 to 17 as new moon drives up tides

Bali, a popular tourist destination, is bracing for coastal flooding between August 11 and 17 as a new moon triggers higher than usual tides. Authorities have issued warnings across six coastal regions, including southern Jembrana and Tabanan regencies, Badung, Gianyar, and Denpasar, as well as the southern coast of Klungkung Regency.

Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency chief Cahyo Nugroho explained that the phenomenon is due to the moon reaching its perigee, the closest point to Earth, on August 10, followed by a new moon on August 13. This increase in sea levels could disrupt port activities, coastal settlements, salt farming, and inland fisheries. The timing and severity of the flooding will vary depending on the location, day, and hour.