Bali is bracing for a week of persistent heavy rainfall after the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported extreme precipitation levels across the island on September 9-10, 2025. The downpour, which reached a staggering 150 mm in many areas, has already caused widespread flooding and disruption, prompting warnings and calls for vigilance from local authorities.
Cahyo Nugroho, Head of BMKG’s Region III Office, confirmed the forecast, stating that "For the next three days, we see other potentials for light to medium rain in most areas in Bali." This prediction underscores the need for residents and visitors to remain prepared for continued inclement weather and potential flooding.
Observations revealed that the heavy rain impacted a significant portion of the island, including Jembrana, Tabanan, Badung, Gianyar, Klungkung, and Karangasem districts, as well as Denpasar City. The relentless downpour, which began on Tuesday, has overwhelmed drainage systems and caused rivers to overflow, leading to widespread inundation.
The consequences of the heavy rainfall have been far-reaching. Several areas across Bali have experienced significant flooding, disrupting daily life and causing damage to infrastructure. Pura Demak and Teuku Umar streets in Denpasar, the provincial capital, were submerged, hindering traffic and affecting businesses. The area near the iconic Badung Market, situated along the banks of the Badung River, was also heavily impacted, raising concerns about potential damage to the market and its surrounding areas.
Tragically, the floods have also resulted in a missing person. In Pengambengan Village, located in the Jembrana District of western Bali, a resident was swept away by the floodwaters. A search and rescue operation, led by local emergency teams, is currently underway to locate the missing individual. This incident highlights the inherent dangers associated with severe flooding and the importance of taking necessary precautions.
The flooding in Jembrana has also disrupted transportation, particularly along the main road connecting Denpasar to the port town of Gilimanuk. This critical artery has been severely affected by the floodwaters, leading to significant traffic congestion and delays for commuters and businesses relying on this route. The disruption to transportation further compounds the challenges faced by residents and businesses already grappling with the effects of the heavy rainfall.
The Bali Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has reported additional damage caused by the floods, including fallen trees in the districts of Tabanan and Karangasem. These fallen trees have damaged power lines, leading to power outages in some areas, and have blocked several roads, further exacerbating transportation difficulties. The combined impact of flooding, power outages, and road closures underscores the severity of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts to address the challenges.
In response to the escalating situation, BPBD Head I Nyoman Sidakarya urged residents to prioritize their safety and evacuate themselves if necessary. He acknowledged that the agency is overwhelmed by the scale of the flooding, which has been triggered by a continuous 24-hour downpour affecting almost all areas of the island. This plea highlights the strain on emergency services and the importance of individual preparedness and responsible action.
The BMKG has attributed the recent inclement weather to the equatorial Rossby wave phenomenon. This atmospheric phenomenon has stimulated the formation of dense rain clouds, leading to the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms experienced across Bali. Understanding the meteorological factors contributing to the heavy rainfall is crucial for predicting future weather patterns and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
The current situation in Bali serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of island communities to extreme weather events. The combination of heavy rainfall, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and geographical factors has resulted in widespread flooding and disruption, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience measures.
Looking ahead, several key areas require attention to mitigate the impact of future heavy rainfall events. First, investing in improved drainage infrastructure is crucial to effectively manage stormwater runoff and prevent flooding. This includes upgrading existing drainage systems, constructing new drainage channels, and implementing sustainable urban drainage solutions.
Second, enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities is essential to minimize the impact of flooding on communities. This involves developing comprehensive disaster management plans, conducting regular drills and exercises, and providing adequate resources for emergency services.
Third, promoting climate resilience through sustainable land use practices and environmental conservation is vital to reduce the vulnerability of Bali to extreme weather events. This includes protecting forests, restoring wetlands, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices.
Fourth, raising public awareness about flood risks and promoting responsible behavior during heavy rainfall events is crucial to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. This involves providing timely and accurate information about weather forecasts, flood warnings, and evacuation procedures.
Fifth, fostering collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and non-governmental organizations is essential to develop and implement effective flood mitigation strategies. This includes sharing information, coordinating resources, and engaging local communities in decision-making processes.
The heavy rainfall and flooding in Bali underscore the need for a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction that addresses both the physical and social dimensions of vulnerability. By investing in infrastructure, enhancing preparedness, promoting climate resilience, raising public awareness, and fostering collaboration, Bali can reduce its vulnerability to extreme weather events and protect its communities from the devastating impacts of flooding.
The related news articles cited by ANTARA highlight the broader context of extreme weather events in Indonesia and the efforts of the BMKG to monitor and predict these events. The articles on rainfall warnings and potential for extreme rainfall in other parts of Indonesia underscore the need for national-level coordination and collaboration to address the challenges posed by climate change.
The article on staying alert for extreme weather ahead of year-end holidays emphasizes the importance of public awareness and preparedness during peak tourist seasons. Bali, as a popular tourist destination, needs to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors during extreme weather events.
In conclusion, the heavy downpour in Bali and the resulting flooding serve as a wake-up call for the need to prioritize disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. By taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events, Bali can protect its communities, preserve its environment, and ensure its sustainable development. The ongoing situation requires continued monitoring, coordinated response efforts, and a long-term commitment to building a more resilient future for the island. The collaborative efforts of government agencies, local communities, and international partners will be crucial in achieving this goal. The lessons learned from this event should inform future disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies not only in Bali but also in other regions facing similar challenges. The focus must be on building a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future for all.