Floodwaters sweep through Bali streets, forcing evacuations and stranding residents amid deadly rains (Image Credit: AFP)
Indonesia's tourist island of Bali was struck by sweeping floods this week, killing at least nine people, with two reported missing and hundreds left homeless. Authorities confirmed the disaster, brought about by non-stop heavy rains between Tuesday evening and Wednesday, caused widespread disruption to the island's capital and crippled travel routes.
Five of the victims were recovered in Denpasar, the capital of Bali, while four other lives were lost in the areas of Jembrana, Gianyar, and Badung, according to Indonesia disaster mitigation agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari. Close to 200 of the 600 residents who were affected were compelled to take refuge in schools and mosques as water flooded homes.
The effect of the floods has been disastrous for Bali's infrastructure. Two structures were destroyed in Denpasar, said I Nyoman Sidakarya, director of Bali's search and rescue agency. At least 200 rescuers have been sent to help with evacuations and retrieval.
International airport road access to Bali was similarly restricted, with trucks being the only vehicles that could pass through flooded highways. Viral videos appearing on social media though not independently verified documented the chaos, with cars stuck in traffic jams along main roads as water swept through the streets.
The catastrophe was not limited to Bali. Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province was also hit by heavy rains, killing at least four people there. Across the country, the flood has increased worries about being prepared as Southeast Asia continues to experience extreme weather.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto extended his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered the head of the national disaster agency to personally direct the emergency response in Bali. Relief goods, such as food, blankets, mattresses, rubber boats, and water pumps, have been sent out to help displaced families.
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The floods come as a blow to Bali, which relies heavily on tourism as its main economic lifeline. The island, known for its beaches, temples, and nightlife, is bracing for further disruptions if weather conditions persist. While rescue operations remain the priority, the damage to infrastructure and accessibility raises questions about the short-term impact on Bali’s travel industry.
As officials scramble to restore order, the disaster has highlighted the region's exposure to intense weather patterns, which are predicted to worsen with climate change.
