🕒 Last updated on September 16, 2025
Bali, Indonesia’s popular tourist island, is facing its worst flooding in more than ten years. At least 17 people have lost their lives after two days of heavy rainfall last week. The rain, which fell non-stop on Tuesday and Wednesday, caused sudden floods and dangerous landslides.
Torrential rain leaves destruction across the island
The capital city of Denpasar was one of the hardest-hit areas. Eight people were found dead there as rescue teams worked tirelessly in damaged neighborhoods. Emergency workers are still searching for people who are missing. Families have been forced to leave their homes as fast-rising water swept through communities, carrying away belongings and damaging houses.
According to reports, Bali received more than 385 millimeters of rain in just 24 hours. To put that into perspective, this is more than what many cities get in an entire month. The amount of water overwhelmed the island’s drainage systems. Roads were turned into rivers, while cars and motorbikes were left stranded or carried away by strong currents.
The floods destroyed several bridges, cutting off access to entire villages. Rescue boats and emergency vehicles struggled to reach people trapped in their homes. Hundreds of people were evacuated to safer areas where temporary shelters were set up.
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Communities suffer as homes and transport collapse
For many residents, the flooding brought sudden tragedy. Most of the deaths happened when victims were swept away by raging waters. Others were buried under landslides caused by the heavy rain. Families have described how water rushed into their homes within minutes, giving them almost no time to escape.
Schools, shops, and small businesses have also been hit. Streets in Denpasar and nearby towns were filled with debris, making it difficult for vehicles to move. Public transport was disrupted, and long traffic jams formed as people tried to reach higher ground. Airports remained open, but travel within the island has become challenging due to damaged roads and collapsed bridges.
Flooding is not new to Bali, especially during the wet season that usually runs from September to March. But experts say this flood was different because of the intensity of the rainfall. Local authorities explained that in some parts of the island, water levels rose as high as two meters. Rescue teams had to use inflatable boats to move stranded residents to safety.
The destruction was made worse by rapid urban development in many areas. Over the past decade, new buildings, roads, and resorts have reduced the natural spaces that once helped absorb rainwater. Widespread deforestation has also contributed to the problem, leaving the soil weaker and more likely to give way during heavy downpours.
The climate crisis adds to the dangers of the wet season
Indonesia often experiences flooding during the monsoon season, but scientists warn that climate change is making it more severe. Warmer temperatures are linked to heavier rainfall, which increases the risk of flash floods and landslides.
In Bali, the effect of these changes is becoming visible. The recent flood has been described as the most destructive in more than ten years. Many families are now staying in temporary shelters with limited access to clean water, food, and electricity. Local hospitals have reported treating people for injuries related to flooding and landslides.
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Across Indonesia, the rainy season has already brought disasters to other provinces. But in Bali, the situation is especially painful because of the island’s dependence on tourism and local farming. Farmers lost crops after their fields were submerged, while many businesses that depend on visitors are struggling to cope with the damage.
Photographs from Denpasar and surrounding areas show homes buried in mud, roads split apart, and bridges collapsed into rivers. Rescue workers continue to search through the debris, hoping to find survivors. The island is still counting its losses as families mourn their loved ones.
The flooding has left a strong reminder of how powerful nature can be. While the wet season will continue for several more months, for many in Bali the scars from this disaster will remain far longer.