In mid-September 2025, the island of Bali, Indonesia, experienced one of its worst floods in decades. Here's a summary of the situation:
Impact and Casualties:
- Torrential rains starting on Monday, September 8, caused widespread flooding and landslides across the island.
- As of mid-September, at least 18 people have been confirmed dead, with several more missing.
- The floods have submerged at least 120 neighborhoods and caused dozens of landslides.
- Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate and seek shelter in temporary camps.
- Infrastructure damage is significant, including submerged roads, damaged bridges, and disruptions to transport.
Affected Areas:
The floods have impacted multiple districts and cities, including the provincial capital, Denpasar, as well as Gianyar, Jembrana, Badung, Tabanan, Karangasem, and Klungkung. Denpasar was particularly hard-hit, with 81 affected locations.
Causes:
- The primary cause was extreme rainfall, with some areas receiving over 385mm of rain in 24 hours.
- The intense rain caused rivers, like the Tukad Badung, to overflow their banks.
- The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and environmental experts have also pointed to other factors exacerbating the disaster, including:
- Land conversion: The transformation of green spaces, like rice paddies, into buildings and other structures has reduced the land's ability to absorb rainwater.
- Poor spatial planning: Developments encroach on riverbanks and lack adequate drainage systems.
- Waste management issues: Clogged drainage systems from trash buildup.
- Climate change is believed to be intensifying the rainy season, bringing heavier rainfall and more frequent flash floods.
Response and Recovery:
- Joint search and rescue teams, comprising police, military personnel, and disaster agency workers, were deployed to search for the missing and assist the victims.
- The Denpasar municipal authority declared a state of emergency to optimize the disaster response.
- The government has provided emergency aid, including food, blankets, and temporary shelter.
- There are calls for a comprehensive recovery plan, with a focus on rebuilding infrastructure and supporting affected communities.
- The Bali Governor has stated that a bylaw will be drafted to prohibit land conversion, a move supported by the Minister of Environment to prevent future disasters.
Despite the significant local impact, tourism officials have stated that the floods have not deterred tourist arrivals, and many hotels remain fully booked. However, travelers are being advised to monitor weather updates and exercise caution.