Torrential Rains Cause Flooding in Bali, Prompting Evacuations

Bali, December 24, 2024 – Heavy rainstorms over the weekend resulted in significant flooding across several popular tourist areas in Bali. Authorities were prompted to take action, rescuing tourists trapped in inundated locations using inflatable boats as floodwaters swelled to alarming levels.

Flooding Affects Popular Tourist Regions

The flooding predominantly impacted the bustling tourist hotspots of Kuta and Badung regency, where floodwaters reached heights of up to 60 centimeters in several areas, including prominent thoroughfares such as Jl. Nakula and Jl. Sunset Road in Seminyak, renowned for high-end shopping. Other areas affected included Jl. Dewi Sri and Jl. Campuhan in the well-known surfing area of Legian.

To assist stranded tourists, local authorities deployed rubber rafts and police vehicles to facilitate movement in and out of the flooded areas. Over 100 tourists received help to navigate through the waters, especially from locations such as the Ramada Encore Seminyak, where waist-deep floods rendered the main access road impassable.

“Although in theory, guests can leave the hotel by walking through the floodwaters, it is still quite dangerous, so we decided to help them,” stated Adj. Comr. I Gede Putu Raka Sujana, head of vital object security for the Bali Police, highlighting the potential hazards of traversing submerged streets.

Causes of the Flooding

The Bali Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) revealed that the extensive rainfall, which lasted for three consecutive days, was the primary cause of the flooding. BPBD head Made Rentin confirmed that there were no reported injuries or casualties as a result of the flooding. As of Monday, the floodwaters had receded completely, restoring normalcy to the affected regions.

The areas impacted are positioned near the Mati River, which has a history of flooding due to excessive rainfall. Over the years, Bali’s landscape has shifted significantly, with previous rice fields now home to residential complexes and numerous hotels.

The Dilemma of Overtourism

Bali has faced challenges related to overtourism and overdevelopment. Statistics from Indonesia’s Statistics Bureau indicate that Ngurah Rai International Airport received approximately 2.9 million foreign visitors in the first half of the year, accounting for 65 percent of all foreign arrivals in Indonesia by air during the same timeframe. This raises concerns regarding the sustainability of such heavy tourist traffic.

In light of these issues, former Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan announced in August specific plans aimed at reforming Bali’s tourism strategy. “We don’t want to see paddy fields become a villa or a strip club. For us, quality is more important than numbers,” he asserted during discussions on improving infrastructure and managing the island’s waste challenges.

Regular Occurrences and Tourist Reactions

Desi, an employee at a villa affected by the flooding, remarked that flood events have become an annual occurrence in the region. “It has become a regular phenomenon,” she noted, mentioning that guests had requested refunds due to the flooding.

First-time visitor Atik from Surabaya expressed her surprise at the flooding. “I have visited Bali many times for a holiday, but this is the first time I experienced this kind of flooding,” she shared, illustrating the unexpected challenges tourists may face in the area.

Weather Warnings Ahead

As Bali enters its rainy season peak in December, extreme weather conditions have already disrupted tourist activities. Earlier this month, a severe storm caused trees to fall near the Prajapati Temple in Ubud, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of two foreign tourists and leaving another injured.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued warnings about an anticipated 20 percent increase in rainfall intensity across the nation, attributed to a weak La Niña phenomenon, which typically brings heavier rainfalls to Indonesia.

As Bali grapples with these challenges, both local authorities and residents remain vigilant, aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists while addressing the underlying issues of environmental impact and sustainable tourism development.