Tragedy Strikes Bali: Floods Claim 18 Lives as Search Continues for Missing Residents Amid Receding Waters

Floodwaters Recede in Bali Following Deadly Floods That Claimed 18 Lives; Two Still Missing

Denpasar, Indonesia – September 12, 2025

Authorities in Bali report that floodwaters are gradually subsiding after severe flooding swept through the Indonesian resort island earlier this week, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people. Despite ongoing rescue efforts, two individuals remain unaccounted for as of September 12. The catastrophic flood event was triggered by torrential rain on September 9 and 10, which led to rivers bursting their banks across Denpasar and six of Bali’s eight regions. The sudden rise in water levels caused widespread disruption, including blocked major roads and limited access to the island’s international airport. Alongside the flooding, several landslides were reported in affected areas, adding to the challenges faced by emergency responders.

Indonesia’s disaster management agency confirmed the death toll had risen from an initial 16 to 18 and emphasized that search operations for the missing individuals were ongoing. The tragedy has raised concerns about urban planning and infrastructure on the island.

Dr. I Nyoman Gede Maha Putra, an expert in architecture and planning from Warmadewa University in Denpasar, pointed to rapid development that has not adequately accounted for necessary drainage systems as a contributing factor. “The city planning does not consider disasters. All of the infrastructure construction is geared towards making Bali more attractive to tourists and investors,” he explained.

However, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster has dismissed suggestions that recent changes in land use contributed to the flooding in Denpasar. The regional development planning body for Bali’s government has yet to publicly respond to inquiries regarding the incident.

Tourism remains the backbone of Bali’s economy. According to statistics from Indonesia’s Bureau of Statistics, the island welcomed over 6.3 million international tourists in 2024, surpassing the numbers recorded in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted global travel. Bali accounts for more than 40 percent of Indonesia’s total tourist arrivals, highlighting the island’s critical role in the national tourism sector.

As recovery efforts continue, local authorities and residents face the urgent task of addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters while balancing the demands of ongoing development and tourism growth.