Indonesia’s popular tourist island of Bali has been hit by its worst flooding in a decade, leaving at least 16 people dead, dozens displaced, and vital infrastructure severely damaged. Torrential rains earlier this week triggered flash floods and landslides across much of the island, overwhelming rivers, destroying homes, and disrupting both local communities and international travel.

Rising Waters and Widespread Destruction

The heavy rainfall began on Tuesday and continued through Wednesday, unleashing chaos across Bali. According to meteorological data, more than 385mm of rain was recorded within just 24 hours at the island’s climatological station. The downpour caused rivers to overflow, inundating residential areas, sweeping away people and vehicles, and damaging bridges and roads.

Although the rains have now stopped and water levels are starting to recede, the destruction remains visible across at least six districts, including Denpasar, Gianyar, Jembrana, Badung, and Tabanan.

• Casualties reported: 8 people died in Denpasar, the provincial capital, 3 victims were found in Gianya., 2 people lost their lives in Jembrana Regency, swept away after being electrocuted and 1 person died in Badung County.

• Two people are still missing in Denpasar, with ongoing search operations.

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly, but access to many flooded areas remains difficult. “Floods are everywhere, even trucks can barely pass through,” said Nyoman Sidakarya, head of Bali’s Search and Rescue Agency.

🌧#Bali under water: heavy rains cause #Floods .

In Bali, heavy rains have caused massive floods. Houses and roads are flooded, some buildings have collapsed. Videos of the aftermath are actively circulating on social networks. pic.twitter.com/2zxaNfBnfi— News.Az (@news_az) September 10, 2025

Displacement and Emergency Response

Hundreds of residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, with community halls, mosques, and schools converted into safe havens. In Jembrana district alone, at least 85 people have sought refuge after their homes were submerged.

The provincial government has declared a week-long state of emergency, allowing faster mobilization of resources. President Prabowo Subianto expressed condolences to the victims’ families and instructed agencies to act “swiftly” and deliver targeted aid.

Emergency crews are now clearing debris, repairing broken infrastructure, and working to restore power and clean water supplies. Two collapsed buildings in Denpasar have been cordoned off, and damaged bridges are under inspection.

Impact on Infrastructure and Tourism

Bali’s tourism industry, the lifeline of its economy, has also been heavily impacted. The floods have disrupted access to Ngurah Rai International Airport, the island’s main entry point for millions of foreign visitors. While flights are still operating, delays are widespread, and transport to and from the airport remains challenging due to waterlogged roads and landslides.

Public transport services are unreliable, and in several areas, only heavy trucks and emergency vehicles can move safely. Many hotels and businesses in tourist hubs have reported damage and reduced operations, further complicating travel plans for visitors.

Authorities have also highlighted that poor waste management and clogged drainage systems worsened the flooding in some districts. Bali has long struggled with infrastructure challenges despite rapid tourism-driven development.

Expert Concerns: Development vs. Disaster Preparedness

Experts warn that rapid urban growth on the island has overlooked essential disaster-resilient infrastructure. I Nyoman Gede Maha Putra, an architecture and planning expert at Warmadewa University in Denpasar, said:

“The city planning does not consider disasters. All of the infrastructure construction is geared toward making Bali more attractive to tourists and investors.”

Local officials, however, maintain that land-use conversion was not the primary cause of this week’s flooding. The debate underscores long-standing concerns about balancing tourism expansion with environmental sustainability.

Regional Impact Beyond Bali

The disaster has not been confined to Bali alone. Neighboring East Nusa Tenggara province also reported flash floods and casualties:

• 3 deaths confirmed.

• 2 people injured.

• 4 people missing.

This highlights the widespread vulnerability of Indonesia’s islands to extreme weather, especially during the rainy season.

Travel Advisory: What Tourists Need to Know

Despite the floods, much of Bali remains open and safe for travelers. However, officials are urging caution and preparedness for those currently on the island or planning upcoming visits.

Key Advice for Tourists:

• Stay updated on travel schedules: Confirm flight and ferry details with operators before heading to the airport or seaports.

• Avoid affected districts: Refrain from visiting heavily flooded regions such as Denpasar, Gianyar, Jembrana, and Tabanan.

• Follow local guidance: Pay attention to instructions from authorities and resort staff.

• Consider travel insurance: Policies covering natural disasters and trip interruptions are strongly recommended.

• Exercise caution on roads: Many routes remain blocked, and landslides are still being reported in hilly regions.

Climate Change and Indonesia’s Growing Flood Risk

Indonesia, an archipelago prone to heavy rainfall, routinely faces flash floods and landslides during its wet season. However, climate change has intensified these risks, bringing more frequent and severe storms. Officials warn that without stronger flood control systems, better drainage, and sustainable development planning, disasters like this will become increasingly common.

Bali’s Tourism Economy at Stake

Bali is not just Indonesia’s most famous tourist island but also a major driver of the nation’s economy. According to the country’s Statistics Bureau, Bali welcomed more than 6.3 million international tourists last year—surpassing pre-pandemic figures from 2019. The island accounted for over 40% of Indonesia’s total tourist arrivals.

The current floods, however, serve as a stark reminder of the island’s fragile infrastructure and the need to balance tourism development with disaster preparedness.

Current Situation: Hope Amidst Recovery

As of Friday, floodwaters have begun to recede, offering some relief to affected communities. Rescue operations remain ongoing, particularly in Denpasar where two people are still missing. Emergency teams are racing to restore normalcy, though recovery will likely take weeks.

For now, Bali remains under a severe weather warning, though meteorologists predict less intense rainfall in the coming days.

Final Thoughts

Bali’s worst floods in a decade have exposed the vulnerabilities of both its communities and its infrastructure. While the island continues to recover, the disaster raises important questions about how development, climate change, and disaster preparedness intersect on one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations.

For travelers, Bali is still open—but caution, flexibility, and safety must come first.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Vygr Media.