Six Dead as Flash Floods Devastate Popular Tourist Island of Bali
Bali, Indonesia – At least six people have lost their lives following severe flash floods that have swept across the Indonesian holiday island of Bali earlier this week. The torrential rains, which began late Tuesday, have also caused widespread disruption, including the blocking of major roads in the capital city, Denpasar, and limiting access to the island’s international airport.
According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the relentless downpour triggered flooding across four districts on Bali, forcing the evacuation of 85 residents. Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for BNPB, confirmed the damage and the severity of the situation in a statement.
Continuous heavy rainfall between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning led to the collapse of two buildings in Denpasar’s city center, exacerbating the crisis and complicating rescue efforts. I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of Bali’s search and rescue agency, reported that road access to Ngurah Rai International Airport near Denpasar was severely restricted, with only trucks able to traverse the flooded and damaged roads.
Approximately 200 rescue workers have been deployed to assist those affected, carrying out evacuations and providing aid to victims trapped by rising waters. Despite these efforts, some areas of Bali remain inundated as of Wednesday morning.
The deadly flooding is not confined to Bali alone. Nearby, East Nusa Tenggara Province’s Flores Island experienced similar flash floods earlier this week, which cut off road access and phone services in 18 villages. In East Nusa Tenggara’s Nagekeo district, four people were reported dead with an additional four still missing, according to BNPB chief Suharyanto.
These recent flood events come as Indonesia grapples with an increasingly volatile climate pattern. While the annual monsoon season typically spans from November through April, climate change is altering storm behaviors, resulting in more intense rainfall, flash floods, and stronger wind gusts outside the usual timeframe. This year’s floods echo other severe weather incidents earlier in 2025, including deadly floods and landslides on Java Island that claimed several lives and displaced communities.
Tourists and local residents alike have been affected, with many witnessed navigating flooded streets after the torrential rains. Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely and urge the public to stay alert to further developments.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on providing relief to those impacted and restoring normalcy to the popular tourist destination, which is vital to Indonesia’s economy. The recent calamity highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness across the region.
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