DENPASAR ~ Bali Governor Dewa Made Beratha has disbursed Rp500 million (US$53,329) from the Welfare and Energy and Mineral Resources ministries to victims of recent severe storms in Gianyar and Denpasar.

Deputy Regent of Gianyar Dewa Wardhana received Rp350 million for victims in the regency, while Denpasar Secretary I Nyoman Aryana received Rp150 million for residents of Denpasar.

“We will immediately cooperate with local government offices to distribute this to the people,” said Aryana.

The Bali government does not provide money support for the victims, but distributes emergency help in the form of basic commodities, such as rice and cooking oil.

Rainy season-generated storms have caused a number of deaths across the island and destroyed hundreds of homes, officials said.