At least 14 dead as flash floods ravage Bali and East Nusa Tenggara

Indonesia: At least 14 people have been confirmed dead following flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains in Bali and East Nusa Tenggara earlier this week, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

The severe weather began Monday, causing rivers to overflow and inundate at least 120 neighborhoods across nine districts on Bali. Landslides and fast-moving floodwaters destroyed homes, swept away residents, and left scenes of devastation in their wake.

Most of the fatalities occurred on the island of Bali, where rivers breached their banks, sweeping victims away. At least two people are still missing, and search and rescue operations are ongoing. Between 400 to 600 personnel have been deployed to aid in the search and recovery efforts and to clear widespread debris.

More than 500 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, including schools and mosques, while many others have begun returning to assess damage and recover belongings. In Denpasar, Bali’s capital, Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara declared an emergency to speed up aid distribution and infrastructure repairs.

As waters receded on Thursday, scenes of devastation emerged: mud-covered streets, overturned vehicles, and debris-laden neighborhoods. Electricity has since been restored to tens of thousands of homes and businesses, and cleanup efforts are intensifying.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed government agencies to prioritize humanitarian relief, locate the missing, and ensure displaced residents receive essential supplies.

Indonesia, which faces heavy seasonal rains from September to March, is no stranger to natural disasters, but the recent flooding highlights the increasing severity and frequency of such events.