Bali Devastated by Decades Worst Floods; 14 Confirmed Dead. Bali, Indonesia, A state of emergency has been declared on the popular tourist island of Bali following what officials are calling the worst floods in a decade. Torrential rains, which have now subsided, triggered widespread flooding, claiming the lives of at least 14 people and leaving a trail of destruction across the island. The disaster has shocked both residents and officials, raising concerns about the island’s infrastructure and long-standing issues with waste management.
The heavy rainfall caused rivers to burst their banks, submerging hundreds of homes and rendering major roads impassable due to landslides. While water levels are beginning to recede, rescue operations are still underway, with teams frantically searching for survivors. The search and rescue agency head, Nyoman Sidakarya, noted the immense difficulty in accessing the affected regions, stating, “Floods are everywhere, even trucks can barely pass through.”
Eight of the 14 deaths occurred in Denpasar, Bali’s capital, where two people are still reported missing. Additionally, three victims were found in Gianyar, one in Badung County, and two in the south-western Jembrana Regency. The two deaths in Jembrana were attributed to electrocution, with the victims being swept away by the powerful currents. The sheer force of the floodwaters also led to the collapse of at least two buildings in Denpasar.
A Widespread Catastrophe and Ongoing Challenges (Bali)
The suddenness and severity of the flooding have left many residents in disbelief. “People here were shocked. The flooding was so bad,” said Tasha, a Bali resident, in an interview. “I thought Bali had adequate drainage.” This sentiment is shared by many who have witnessed the devastation firsthand. The provincial government has responded by declaring a week-long state of emergency, allowing for a more coordinated and swift response to the crisis.
President Prabowo Subianto has expressed his profound condolences to the families of the victims. In an official statement, the president instructed all relevant government agencies to act “swiftly” and deliver “targeted aid” to those in need. This commitment highlights the national government’s recognition of the severity of the situation and its dedication to providing immediate relief.
The floods have forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents to temporary shelters. In the Jembrana district alone, at least 85 people have been relocated. The damage to infrastructure is significant, with major roads closed off by landslides and at least two bridges severely damaged. This has complicated rescue efforts and the delivery of emergency supplies to the isolated areas.
While Bali is grappling with its own crisis, it is not the only Indonesian island affected by the recent extreme weather. Neighbouring East Nusa Tenggara province has also reported casualties, with at least three people dead, two injured, and four still missing from flash floods and heavy rainfall. The climatological station in Bali recorded a staggering 385mm of rain in a 24-hour period, a testament to the intensity of the storm.
The floods have also had a significant impact on Bali’s popular tourist areas, with hotels and local businesses struggling to manage the disruption. This event has brought to the forefront the long-standing issues of poor infrastructure and inadequate waste management on the island. Officials in some regions have pointed to rubbish clogging drainage systems, which exacerbated the flooding and made the situation worse. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved urban planning and waste disposal systems to prevent such disasters in the future.
Authorities have issued a severe weather warning for Bali, though the rain is expected to be less intense in the coming days. Flash floods and landslides are a common occurrence across the Indonesian archipelago, especially during the rainy season. However, officials and climate experts note that climate change is making these events more frequent and severe, adding a layer of urgency to the need for better disaster preparedness and infrastructure development.
