TABANAN, Bali — A sudden, short-lived windstorm swept through a village in Bali’s Tabanan regency on Tuesday afternoon, damaging at least nine homes and toppling several trees in what local authorities identified as a puting beliung, a localized whirlwind.
The storm struck Banjar Sandan Dangin Yeh in Sesandan Village at around 4 p.m., accompanied by heavy rain. Residents reported that the winds intensified rapidly, causing damage within minutes.
The Tabanan Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) said it received initial reports shortly after the incident and dispatched a response team to assess the damage and assist affected residents.
“Our team was immediately deployed to conduct assessments and begin the initial emergency response,” said I Nyoman Srinada Giri, head of the agency.
Homes and Shrines Affected
Most of the damage was concentrated on rooftops and auxiliary structures, including kitchens and family shrines, which are a central feature of Balinese homes.
One of the hardest-hit properties, owned by I Wayan Sumawa, was struck by a falling durian tree, causing significant structural damage. Losses were estimated at around 50 million rupiah.
Another resident, Ni Nengah Nuwadi, reported damage to her family shrine valued at approximately 30 million rupiah, as well as additional damage to her kitchen estimated at 15 million rupiah.
Several other homes, including those belonging to I Made Madria and I Wayan Nuarta, sustained roof damage, with losses ranging from several million to tens of millions of rupiah.
Response and Cleanup
Emergency crews worked into the evening to secure affected structures and clear debris. However, due to limited visibility and ongoing weather concerns, more extensive cleanup efforts were scheduled for Wednesday morning.
“Temporary response measures were carried out today. Continued cleanup will be done tomorrow morning together with response teams and local residents,” Mr. Giri said.
No fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
A Localized but Disruptive Event
While strong winds and heavy rainfall are common in Bali during seasonal transitions, puting beliung events are more localized and can develop quickly, often with little warning.
Such storms typically cause concentrated damage over a narrow area, particularly to lightweight structures and rooftops. In Bali, where many homes include open-sided pavilions and separate kitchen buildings, this type of construction can be especially exposed to sudden wind events.
Although incidents of this kind are not unprecedented, they highlight the challenges posed by short-duration, high-intensity weather events, which can be difficult to predict and prepare for at the community level.
Limited Wider Impact
Authorities said the damage was confined to the immediate area, and there were no indications of broader disruption to transport or public services in Tabanan or other parts of Bali.
For residents, however, the storm underscored how quickly conditions can change, particularly during transitional weather periods.
