9 Dead in Bali Floods, Authorities Declare Emergency

Torrential rains that hit Bali starting September 8, 2025, caused widespread flooding and caught the attention of media from Australia and Singapore to the USA and UK. The disaster affected Denpasar, Jembrana, Gianyar, Klungkung, Badung, and Tabanan. According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), nine deaths have been confirmed, with several people reported missing.

Roads in tourist areas - Canggu, Ubud, Kuta - have turned into rivers. Search and rescue teams, disaster management agencies, public safety services, police, and military are working around the clock to evacuate residents and coordinate efforts to address the aftermath of floods, landslides, building collapses, fallen trees, and land subsidence.

Many foreigners experienced the power of the disaster firsthand. For example, Australian Kim Eastow found herself trapped on the first floor of her villa when the water began to rise. The nearby river overflowed and flooded the accommodation she had rented in Legian.

Other tourists were evacuated by rescue services on inflatable boats from flooded hotels and guesthouses in tourist areas.

Those trying to reach the airport from the Dewa Ruci statue area in Kuta were rescued by the military in kayaks and then transported to Ngurah Rai Airport by army trucks to catch their flights. Despite the bad weather, the airport operates normally. All ferries and fast boats are departing on schedule.

Popular tourist spots such as Echo Beach in Canggu are now littered with debris. In Ubud, a landslide in the Champuhan area paralyzed traffic for several hours. The hardest-hit areas have already been cleared.

According to the Meteorology Agency BMKG, the floods were caused by active equatorial Rossby waves, which enhanced cloud growth and triggered downpours. The transition period from the dry to the rainy season exacerbated the situation. High humidity and strong winds acted as catalysts for extreme weather.

Fatal cases have been recorded in Denpasar (four people), Jembrana (two), Badung (one), Gianyar (one). One person died from electrocution while trying to leave their home during the flooding. Missing persons include the elderly. Families of the deceased are entitled to assistance of 15 million rupiah from the contingency fund.

Hundreds of homes have been underwater. In Kertalangu village, water reached the ceilings and children were rescued through attics. Official data indicates hundreds of people have been evacuated: in Jembrana alone, more than 200 residents were affected, and in Klungkung - 432. More than 20 shelters have been opened - in mosques, schools, and community centers.

Floods have inundated markets, parks, temples, and hospitals. The Kumbasari market in Denpasar suffered serious damage: its first floor was submerged and filled with debris, while the second floor was covered with mud. Vendors estimate the damage at tens of millions of rupiah. Shops, transportation, vehicles, and buildings were damaged.

The power went out in the regional hospital of Wangaya, and a generator had to be used urgently for operations.

The Ministry of Social Affairs is assessing the damage to allocate compensation.

The flooding disrupted power supply in the southern, eastern, and northern parts of the island. In Denpasar, Sanur, Kuta, and Tabanan, about 40% of damaged lines have been restored. In Gianyar, 99% have been restored, in Jembrana, Gilimanuk, and Singaraja - 98%.

The national power grid company PLN urged residents to follow safety measures: to disconnect power during floods, avoid touching electrical appliances with wet hands, and report problems via the hotline 123 or the app.

An emergency status has been declared in Bali. Corresponding decrees were signed by the island's governor and the mayor of Denpasar. BNPB chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto specified that the emergency duration was reduced from two weeks to one due to reduced precipitation. In Denpasar, 43 flooded areas have been confirmed, with the most damage in seven sections, including the Kumbasari market, Pura Demak, and Sidakarya.

BNPB sent the first wave of aid worth over 1 billion rupiah: boats, tents, pumps, food kits, blankets, and generators. The Ministry of Social Affairs also provided thousands of hygiene and food packages and set up public kitchens.

President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto expressed condolences and instructed BNPB and other services to promptly ensure effective response and assistance to residents. Similar measures have been introduced in East Nusa Tenggara, where there were also flood casualties.

Bali police, in cooperation with national structures, engaged psychologists to assist those affected, especially children. The support program will continue until the situation stabilizes.

The weather is currently stabilizing. For the upcoming week, BMKG forecasts sunny weather with light clouds for Bali and Nusa Tenggara (including Lombok). Mataram may also experience light rain. Meteorologists note that such sudden heavy downpours indicate the imminent start of the rainy season on the island.

Aid collection is led by the Dompet Dhuafa foundation. Needed: children's clothing, hygiene products, food, and financial support.

Bank account details for Yayasan Dompet Dhuafa Republika foundation:

BSI: 771 444 9499

Mandiri: 1750 004 7788 99

Office address: Jl. Gn. Agung, Jl. Pertokoan Bali Gria Husada, Pemecutan, Kec. Denpasar Barat, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80223. Contact phone: +62 878 8987 8671.

Source: jpnn, detik, kompas, antara, kumparan, indailysa