The recovery of a 28-year-old mother ends a joint rescue operation, following the earlier discovery of her toddler. Authorities reiterate extreme weather warnings for Bali as the rainy season intensifies.
TABANAN, Bali — A days-long search for victims of a devastating flash flood in Tabanan has concluded following the recovery of a second body on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The remains of Yuliana Da Costa Makun, 28, were located by a combined search and rescue (SAR) team in the Yeh Ge River in Kediri, approximately 6.9 kilometers from where she and her young daughter were swept away earlier this week.
Her daughter, Audrey Natania Banafanu, was found on the same day on Batu Belig Beach in Badung, several kilometers from the initial disaster site.
Discovery and Recovery
According to I Nyoman Sidakarya, Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas), Yuliana’s body was first spotted by a local resident foraging for animal feed along the riverbank in Abiantuwung Village. The SAR team, comprising military, police, disaster agency personnel, volunteers, and local village officials, subsequently retrieved and transported the body to Singasana Hospital for formal identification by family members.
“On behalf of my office and the organization, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victims and thank all SAR elements for their dedication and hard work,” Sidakarya stated, confirming the official termination of the search operation.
Official Warnings Amid Ongoing Extreme Weather
The tragedy has cast a stark light on the acute dangers posed by Bali’s current rainy season. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has issued an extreme weather warning for much of Bali from January 21 to 27, forecasting intense rainfall and strong winds with high potential for hydrometeorological disasters.
In response, Tabanan Regent I Komang Gede Sanjaya has called on all residents to increase vigilance. “The Tabanan government urges everyone to remain alert, prioritize personal and environmental safety, and follow instructions from relevant agencies,” he said. He specifically advised against activity in disaster-prone areas during severe weather and emphasized the community’s role in maintaining clean waterways to minimize flood risk.
Guidance for Bali’s Residents and Visitors
This consecutive tragedy serves as a critical reminder for everyone on the island—residents, expatriates, and tourists alike—to exercise heightened caution.
- Heed Official Advisories: Closely monitor weather updates from the BMKG and local authorities. The provincial disaster alert status remains in effect.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Steer clear of riverbanks, valleys, and flood-prone roads, especially during and immediately after periods of heavy rain. Flash floods can occur with little warning.
- Have a Plan: Familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures at your accommodation or workplace.
- Respect Nature’s Force: Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or swollen rivers. The power of moving water is often underestimated.
The conclusion of this search brings a painful closure to a local family while underscoring a community-wide imperative for preparedness and caution during this period of volatile and severe weather.
Hey Bali News urges our community to stay informed, prepared, and safe.
