Large Waves Wreak Havoc on Bali 's North Shore

(2/14/2009)

Bali Post reports that Bali's north coast has suffered substantial damage due to large waves that swept the area in the first week of February 2009.

As the result of the inclement weather the regency of Buleleng recorded a total of 204 damaged homes, 138 fishermen's fishing platforms destroyed and hundred of meters of beachfront eroded. Preliminary calculations from the government provided on February 9th placed estimated damages in excess of Rp. 400 million (US$34,500).

Current reports from Buleleng put the damage at:

• Village of Kubutambahan: 2 homes heavily damaged, 69 home with minor damage and 137 fishing platforms destroyed.

• Village of Bungkulan: 7 homes heavily damaged and 43 home with minor damage.

• Village of Sangsit: 22 homes with minor damage.

• Village of Kalibukbuk: 41 homes heavily damaged and 5 homes with minor damage.

• Village of Temukus: 3 home heavily damaged and 2 homes with minor damage.

• Village of Labuan Aji: 2 rooms with minor damage.

• Village of Karanganyar: 7 homes heavily damaged and one temple damaged.

A regency welfare official from Buleleng told the press that the worst damage took place on the eastern shores of the regency.

Government officials plan to begin relocating local fishermen whose homes were destroyed to more protected areas with 75 fishermen's families slated to obtain new homes this year. Each family will be allocated Rp. 45 million (US$3,900) to cover the expense of relocation to safer areas.

The Buleleng regency has also pledged that funds will be spent on rebuilding the port of Buleleng with suffered substantial wave damage during the recent spat of bad weather.