After the torrential rains on September 10 that caused flooding and loss of life in Denpasar, Badung, and other areas, the Bali authorities announced the preparation of measures to prevent such disasters.
Vice Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta reported that the province applied to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) for a weather modification operation — a technology that allows the dispersal of clouds and regulation of precipitation. He emphasized that such methods should be used cautiously to avoid damaging agriculture: "Sometimes, during the dry season, we invoke rain for farmers by spraying salt in the clouds."
The government's plans include a total ban on land conversion, especially rice fields, clearing and deepening riverbeds, including Ayung, as well as forest restoration and planting water-absorbent plants. Water pumps are prepared for rapid response to heavy rains.
Environmentalists warn that the main threat lies in the poor condition of rivers and drainage basins. Without regular cleaning and strengthening of shorelines, water cannot recede quickly, making flooding inevitable. The MRI Foundation reminds that the authorities have not yet implemented programs for the restoration of river basins and the subak system — a traditional irrigation method included in the UNESCO Heritage List. According to environmentalists, well-managed rivers and subak not only supply the island with water but also serve as natural protection against disasters.
The threat was confirmed on September 15: the Berawa area in Canggu was once again underwater. In a complex of 18 villas, 16 were flooded, with water levels reaching up to 75 centimeters in some places. Tourists were evacuated using car tires and other improvised means; some were relocated to Umalas and Canggu, while others chose hotels on higher ground. The cause was the overflow of an irrigation canal: due to the high river level, the flow went back into the courtyards. Managers noted that the river behind the complex is too narrow and has not been cleaned for a long time.
BMKG warned that heavy rains would continue from September 16–17. The main risk is associated with the upper reaches of rivers supplying Denpasar and coastal areas: with further downpours, flooding, landslides, and tree falls are possible. In response to the warning, Governor Wayan Koster instructed the regional emergency management to enhance readiness and inform residents of potential threats in advance.
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