Flood Waters Recede in Bali After Deadly Rains Claim 18 Lives, Two Still Missing
Denpasar/Jakarta, Indonesia — September 12, 2025
Floodwaters began to subside on Indonesia’s popular resort island of Bali on Friday, following a devastating week of heavy rains that led to at least 18 fatalities and left two individuals still missing. The severe flooding, which struck midweek, was primarily due to torrential downpours that caused rivers to overflow in Denpasar and six other regions across the island.
The Indonesian disaster agency confirmed that the death toll has risen from an initial count of 16 to 18. Rescue teams continue to conduct search operations for the two individuals unaccounted for after swift-moving waters swept through several communities.
The flooding disrupted daily life on the island, blocking major roads and causing significant access problems, including to Bali’s international airport. In addition to the flood damage, landslides were reported in various areas, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Experts have highlighted rapid development and urbanization on the island as factors exacerbating the impact of the floods. I Nyoman Gede Maha Putra, an architecture and urban planning expert from Warmadewa University in Denpasar, pointed out that city planning has neglected adequate drainage infrastructure needed to mitigate disaster risks.
“The city planning does not consider disasters,” Putra stated. “All infrastructure development is geared toward making Bali more attractive to tourists and investors, rather than focusing on resilient and sustainable solutions.”
However, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster was reported by local media to have dismissed claims that land use changes contributed to the recent flooding in Denpasar, indicating that other factors were at play in the disaster.
Bali’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, which accounts for over 40% of Indonesia’s total tourist arrivals. In 2024, the island welcomed more than 6.3 million international visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019, according to Indonesia’s Statistics Bureau.
As waters recede, authorities and residents are beginning the long process of recovery and rebuilding. The disaster serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and sustainable urban planning on this globally renowned island.
Overview of the Situation:
- Flooding caused by torrential rains on September 9 and 10, 2025
- 18 confirmed deaths, 2 people remain missing
- Flood impact spans Denpasar and six out of eight Bali regions
- Major transportation routes and the international airport blocked
- Landslides reported in multiple areas
- Calls for improved infrastructure and disaster-aware urban planning
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, while emergency response teams assist affected communities across Bali. The focus remains on rescue operations and supporting residents as the island deals with the aftermath of this tragic flooding event.
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