Bali, Indonesia’s Worst Floods in a Decade

Bali has been struck by its deadliest floods in ten years, with at least 14 lives lost and thousands forced to flee their homes after torrential rains battered the Indonesian island. Rivers overflowed, landslides cut off major roads, and bridges collapsed, leaving communities stranded. While floodwaters are beginning to recede, the scale of damage is immense, and rescue operations remain ongoing. 

The Indonesian government has declared a week-long state of emergency starting September 10, 2025, as President Prabowo Subianto urged agencies to deliver “swift and targeted aid.” Rescue teams continue to search for missing persons, though access to submerged villages remains difficult. 

Key Developments: 

• Fatalities: As of the latest reports, the flood events have resulted in 14 confirmed fatalities across several areas in Bali 

• Mass Evacuations: The floods have prompted large-scale displacement, with hundreds of residents forced to evacuate their homes. 

• Infrastructure Damage: The floods have caused significant infrastructural damage, including the destruction of two bridges, landslides obstructing key transportation routes, and multiple building collapses, compromising access and emergency response capabilities. 

• Rescue and Response Challenges: Widespread inundation has impeded rescue operations, with heavy vehicles encountering difficulty accessing affected areas due to floodwaters and blocked routes. 

• Meteorological Context: The severe flooding followed an extreme rainfall event, with Bali recording over 385 mm of precipitation within 24 hours, constituting one of the most intense rainfall events on record in the region. 

• Socioeconomic and Environmental Consequences: The floods have adversely affected major tourist centers and local businesses, disrupting economic activities. Urban flooding was exacerbated by waste-clogged drainage systems, highlighting the interplay between environmental management and disaster risk in densely populated areas. 

Climate Connection: 

Indonesia’s islands are increasingly vulnerable to climate-driven extreme rainfall. Warmer ocean waters fuel intense tropical downpours, while poor drainage and rapid urbanization amplify the destruction. Climate scientists warn that the intensity of flash floods and landslides is projected to rise across Southeast Asia, making climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure urgent priorities. 

The Urgent Response Needed: 

• Cut Global Emissions: Phase out coal, oil, and gas to limit extreme rainfall and floods. 

• Build Resilient Infrastructure: Flood-proof roads, bridges, and drainage systems to protect communities. 

• Restore Natural Buffers: Protect wetlands, mangroves, and forests to reduce flood impact. 

• Strengthen Early Warning & Community Response: Improve alerts and empower locals to act quickly. 

Read more about extreme weather here.   

Subscribe to our Climate Alert Bulletin for biweekly updates on how global climate risks impact you.