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The heavy rains that lasted for the past week caused flash floods and landslides, claiming not only lives but also profoundly impacting the tourism industry, which is the backbone of Bali's economy.
Bali is a tourist paradise, but it is facing many problems due to natural disasters.
According to Reuters reports, this natural disaster has killed at least nine people and directly affected more than 600 others across the island. In particular, the situation in the capital, Denpasar, was devastating, with floods claiming the lives of five people and leveling two buildings. Images and videos shared on social media show a completely different Bali: main roads, usually bustling with traffic, are now submerged, causing severe traffic congestion.
Bali, a popular tourist destination in Indonesia, is experiencing severe flooding this week, causing significant loss of life and property.
Getting to key areas, especially Bali International Airport, has become extremely difficult. Access to this important air gateway is restricted, with only trucks allowed on the roads, causing chaos and disrupting the schedules of hundreds of tourists.
This situation has left many tourists stranded, unable to reach their intended destinations or leave the island as planned. This not only disrupted their holidays but also caused significant safety concerns. Many tourists had to find ways to return home earlier than expected, leading to a wave of tour cancellations and sudden schedule changes, causing substantial losses for airlines and travel companies.
According to Reuters, at least nine people have died and 600 have been affected in Bali due to flooding. In Bali's capital, Denpasar, alone, the floods have killed five people and caused the collapse of two buildings.
A host of local businesses dependent on tourism, from souvenir shops to restaurants and hotels, have also been forced to close, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of workers. Roads leading to popular tourist destinations are now blocked, preventing visitors from accessing hotels and resorts, turning a dream vacation into a difficult and uncertain experience.
In response to the emergency, the Indonesian government acted swiftly to support relief efforts. Approximately 200 rescue workers were deployed to evacuate residents and tourists, and distribute essential supplies such as tents, food, blankets, mattresses, water pumps, and rubber boats. President Prabowo Subianto also personally instructed the head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to fly to Bali to oversee the emergency response. These actions demonstrate the government's determination to minimize damage and stabilize the situation.
Flooding has caused severe traffic congestion, blocking major roads in Denpasar and key areas.
However, this disaster also serves as a wake-up call about the increasingly evident impact of climate change. Experts say that climate change is altering the severity and duration of the monsoon season, which typically runs from November to April, making it more intense and unpredictable. The frequency of extreme weather events in Indonesia has increased in recent years, with unpredictable rainfall and stronger winds, leading to more frequent flash floods.
Access to Bali International Airport – a key gateway for tourists – is significantly restricted, with only trucks permitted on the roads.
Besides Bali, Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province also suffered a devastating flash flood, killing four people and leaving four others missing. The disaster cut off transportation and telephone services in 18 villages, isolating thousands of residents. This situation highlights an urgent reality: countries like Indonesia need more proactive adaptation and disaster management measures to cope with constantly changing weather patterns and mitigate the impact of natural disasters. This is not just the story of Bali or Flores, but a general warning to all tourist destinations worldwide: natural beauty also comes with unpredictable risks from nature itself.
