Bali’s Deadliest Floods in a Decade Claim 14 Lives
Bali, Indonesia — At least 14 people have lost their lives in the worst flooding to hit Bali in over ten years, officials report. Torrential rains unleashed widespread flooding across much of the island, causing rivers to overflow and many areas to become severely submerged.
The heavy rainfall, which recorded over 385mm in just 24 hours at a climatological station on the island, triggered this natural disaster. Although the rain has ceased and floodwaters are gradually receding, rescue teams continue to search for survivors and aid stranded residents.
Impact and Casualties
Of the fatalities, eight were reported in Bali’s capital, Denpasar, where two people remain missing. Three victims were found in Gianyar, two died in Jembrana Regency in the island’s southwest—where authorities also reported deaths by electrocution and victims swept away by strong currents—and one person died in Badung County.
Hundreds of residents have been evacuated since Tuesday, with many of their homes submerged. The floods also caused landslides, resulting in the closure of major roads and damage to at least two bridges. In Denpasar, two buildings collapsed amidst the disaster.
Government Response and Challenges
The provincial government has declared a week-long state of emergency as teams from the search and rescue agency face significant challenges. “Floods are everywhere, even trucks can barely pass through,” said Nyoman Sidakarya, head of Bali’s search and rescue agency, highlighting difficulties in reaching impacted areas.
President Prabowo Subianto expressed his condolences and has ordered all relevant agencies to respond swiftly with targeted aid, according to his cabinet secretary.
Underlying Issues and Wider Regional Effects
The flooding’s severity was worsened by clogged drainage systems, largely due to accumulated rubbish, reflecting ongoing waste management and infrastructure struggles on the island. Popular tourist destinations have also been affected, with hotels and businesses struggling to manage the disruptions caused by the floods.
Bali is not alone in experiencing severe weather; neighboring East Nusa Tenggara province also reported at least three deaths and several injuries due to flash floods and heavy rains.
Outlook and Climate Considerations
While the severe weather warning remains in effect for Bali, authorities anticipate less intense rainfall from Thursday onward. Nonetheless, landslides and flash floods continue to pose a significant risk, particularly during Indonesia’s rainy season. Officials note that climate change has exacerbated the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters.
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience across the Indonesian archipelago to mitigate the effects of increasingly severe weather patterns.
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