Full Breakdown
Severe Flooding in Bali and East Nusa Tenggara: A Humanitarian Crisis
9/10/2025, 9:14:06 PM
Overview of the Disaster
Between September 9 and 10, 2025, torrential rains in Indonesia triggered severe flooding across Bali and East Nusa Tenggara, resulting in at least 15 confirmed deaths and leaving six individuals missing. The flooding caused significant destruction, including the collapse of buildings and widespread displacement of residents. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that the flooding affected numerous districts, with the capital city of Denpasar being one of the hardest hit.
Impact on Infrastructure and Communities
In Denpasar, floodwaters reached depths of up to 2.5 meters (8 feet), inundating homes and businesses. The flooding caused the collapse of two buildings, leading to four fatalities, while additional casualties were reported in the neighboring Jembrana Regency. The floods also blocked major roads, including access to Ngurah Rai International Airport, limiting transportation options to heavy vehicles only. Local authorities reported that approximately 600 people were affected, with many evacuated to temporary shelters.
Residents in the worst-hit areas, such as Banjar Tohpati, began cleanup efforts as floodwaters receded. However, significant damage to property and infrastructure was evident, with reports of submerged vehicles and destroyed equipment in local businesses. The local economy, particularly the tourism sector, faced substantial losses due to the disaster.
Official Responses and Emergency Measures
Denpasar's municipal authority declared a state of emergency to facilitate disaster response efforts. Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara emphasized the need for coordinated action to assist affected residents and mitigate further risks. The BNPB dispatched around 200 rescuers to aid in evacuation and search operations, while local disaster agencies worked to assess damages and provide necessary supplies.
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) attributed the extreme weather to atmospheric Rossby waves, warning that unstable conditions could persist throughout the week. The agency noted that heavy seasonal rains from September to March frequently lead to such disasters in Indonesia.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics have pointed to inadequate urban drainage systems and the impact of large-scale development projects as contributing factors to the flooding. Local residents expressed frustration over the government's response, calling for improvements to river channels and better infrastructure to prevent future occurrences. The Secretary of the Bali Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency, Gede Agung Teja Bhusana Yadnya, acknowledged these issues, stating that the drainage network must be improved to handle heavy rainfall effectively.
Conflicting Reports on Casualties
There are discrepancies in the reported death tolls from various sources. While some reports confirm at least 15 fatalities, others indicate that the number may be lower, with at least six deaths confirmed in Bali alone. The situation remains fluid as rescue operations continue and assessments of the damage are ongoing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This disaster also caused material losses for traders and tourism businesses,” — Wayan Koster, Bali Governor
- “The current situation is considered force majeure, but we and all airport stakeholders are still working to maintain service standards,” — Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, Ngurah Rai Airport
- “The most affected area is Denpasar. Denpasar currently has at least 43 locations that are still being dealt with. We cannot report the details yet because we are still dealing with it,” — Gede Agung Teja Bhusana Yadnya, BPBD Secretary
As the situation develops, local authorities and disaster response teams continue to work towards recovery and support for those affected by the floods.
