Rebecca Manzi At least 19 people died in flash floods in Bali and East Nusa Tenggara. Torrential rains caused widespread destruction, highlighting the growing impact of climate change.
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At least 19 people have lost their lives after sudden floods swept across Bali and East Nusa Tenggara. Torrential rains, which began earlier this week, caused rivers to overflow, overwhelming homes and roads. On Bali alone, authorities confirmed 14 deaths, while on the island of Flores the toll has risen to five victims.
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President Prabowo Subianto has ordered rescue teams to speed up their efforts and ensure immediate aid to affected communities. More than 600 responders, including soldiers and volunteers, have been deployed to clear debris and search for the missing. Thermal drones and excavators are now being used in remote areas to reach isolated villages.
Unprecedented damage in Bali
Local officials described it as the worst flooding in the past decade. In Denpasar, Bali’s capital, streets turned into rivers of mud and rubble. Cars were overturned, personal belongings washed away, and entire neighborhoods were left without electricity for hours. Hundreds of residents took shelter in mosques and schools that were quickly converted into emergency centers.
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Even the tourist districts—the economic lifeblood of the island—were not spared. Hotels and restaurants sustained severe damage, while landslides and collapsed bridges cut off vital road connections. Residents say the disaster has been worsened by structural issues, such as poor waste management, which clogs drainage systems and makes flooding more destructive.
The role of climate change
Monsoon rains between September and March regularly bring floods and landslides to Indonesia. But experts warn that climate change is making rainfall both more intense and less predictable. Similar events in recent years have already claimed dozens of lives, highlighting a growing pattern that threatens the safety of entire communities.
As the waters slowly recede, Bali’s residents are beginning to return to their homes. The reality awaiting them is grim: streets remain caked in mud, debris still blocks many routes, and basic services must be restored before normal life can resume. Local authorities have declared a week-long state of emergency to better coordinate relief efforts and ensure the delivery of essential goods.
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Source: DW
