Bali Tourist Tragically Killed as Rainy Season Floods Devastate Major Resorts
December 15, 2025 — A female tourist has died in Bali after being swept away by floodwaters amid ongoing severe weather conditions impacting the island. The fatal incident occurred near the Krisnantara Road Bridge in Tibubeneng Village, Canggu, a popular tourist area, during heavy flooding triggered by Tropical Cyclone Seed 93S.
Incident Details
On Sunday, December 14th, authorities responded to reports of a tourist swept off her motorcycle by rapidly rising floodwaters at around 1:10 a.m. local time. The victim, whose identity remains unknown as she was found without identification documents, was submerged beneath the road bridge, caught in a drainage pipe according to rescue teams.
I Nyoman Sidakarya, Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Agency, confirmed that five personnel were immediately dispatched to carry out the evacuation. After several hours of effort, the victim’s body was recovered at approximately 10:30 a.m. and transported to Prof. IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar for further assessment. The motorcycle remains lodged in the culvert and has not yet been retrieved, due to strong currents and challenging conditions.
Response Efforts
Following the recovery, a coordinated response was launched involving the Bali Provincial Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Bali Provincial Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Badung Police, and the North Kuta Sector Police. A total of 22 personnel were engaged to conduct the search and recovery operation in a region severely affected by floodwaters.
First Inspector Ni Nyoman Ayu Inastuti of the Badung Police Public Relations Division reiterated the dangers posed by floodwaters: “The victim is suspected of attempting to wade through the flooding, only to be swept away by the strong current along with her motorcycle.” The police are actively collaborating with appropriate agencies to verify her identity and residency details.
Severe Weather and Flooding Across Bali
Bali is currently confronting one of the most intense rainy seasons in recent history, exacerbated by Tropical Cyclone Seed 93S, which has prompted extreme weather warnings valid until at least December 18, 2025, with possible extensions.
Heavy rains have caused significant flooding across prominent tourist hubs including Seminyak, Denpasar, Canggu, Legian, and Kuta. The severe weather has also imposed disruptions on airport operations with flight delays and diversions reported at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Tourists and residents are advised to monitor official weather updates, particularly via the Bali Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), which provides real-time alerts in both English and Bahasa Indonesia.
Warnings and Safety Advisories for Tourists
Authorities urge visitors and locals to exercise heightened caution during this period of extreme weather. Driving or attempting to cross flooded roads is highly dangerous due to the deceptive strength of currents and deep waters. The head of the Bali Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, Cahyo Nurgroho, emphasized the importance of vigilance and proactive safety measures: “We urge everyone to remain alert and take anticipatory actions to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.”
Tourists are also encouraged to inquire about evacuation plans with their hotels, villas, or accommodation providers to prepare for any emergency situations related to ongoing flooding and severe weather conditions.
Broader Regional Impact
The heavy rains and flooding have had far-reaching impacts across Indonesia this season. In Sumatra alone, over one million people have been displaced due to flood emergencies earlier this month. In Bali, September saw the worst flooding in more than 70 years, causing widespread damage particularly in Central Denpasar.
Travel Advisories
Travelers planning to visit Bali over the coming weeks should remain updated on weather conditions, flight schedules, and road conditions. Extra time should be allowed for travel logistics across the island, as many key transportation routes continue to face flooding and congestion.
This tragic event highlights the urgent need for awareness and preparedness amid Bali’s flooding crisis during the rainy season. Ongoing updates will be provided as conditions evolve and authorities continue their response efforts to safeguard residents and tourists alike.
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