Heavy rains in Bali have now flooded Sanur, following earlier floods in Seminyak and Legian. In some areas of Sanur, water levels reached knee height. Rescue teams had to evacuate several residents and tourists using inflatable boats.
Ida Bagus Joni Ariwibawa, the head of the Denpasar Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), reported that he received information about the flooding from local residents and immediately dispatched rubber boats to help evacuate affected individuals. Among those rescued were four foreign tourists. The rescue teams also assisted locals and promptly began pumping water out of the flooded areas.
Denpasar authorities noted that certain locations in the city have been marked as flood-prone during the rainy season. These areas are now under constant monitoring, particularly for clogged drains and sewers.
“These areas are often littered with trash, which quickly blocks drainage systems and causes water levels to rise. When this happens, we immediately send teams to clear the drains and pump out water,” Ida Bagus added.
Widespread littering in Bali not only creates aesthetic problems but also contributes to severe issues during the rainy season. Authorities hope to change public attitudes toward this persistent problem.
Meanwhile, the flooding issues in Seminyak and Legian caused by the overflowing Tukad Mati River remain unresolved. The river simply cannot handle the volume of water it receives during the rainy season, leaving the area vulnerable to future floods.
Authorities have proposed a radical solution: the installation of a powerful pump at the river’s mouth, scheduled for 2026. Additionally, plans include setting up 8-10 pumps to expedite water flow from the river to Benoa Bay via separate channels. This would allow excess water to bypass the riverbed and prevent flooding. Although this project has been discussed for years, it has yet to be implemented. Whether it will work remains to be seen, likely during the 2026 rainy season—if the authorities keep their word and proceed with the pump installation.
Sources: nusabali, tribunbali
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