Torrential Rains Trigger Bali's Worst Floods in a Decade, Killing 14

At least 14 people have died in floods across Bali after torrential rains caused rivers to burst their banks, officials said, in what authorities described as the island's worst flooding in a decade.

The rain has now largely stopped and water levels are receding, but rescue teams continued searching for survivors on Wednesday as two people remained missing in Denpasar, where eight of the fatalities were recorded. Provincial authorities declared a week-long state of emergency and moved to mobilize relief and recovery efforts.

Rescuers reported widespread disruption. Major roads were blocked by landslides, at least two bridges were damaged and two buildings collapsed in Denpasar. Hundreds of residents were evacuated after homes were submerged; at least 85 people were sheltering in temporary facilities in Jembrana district, in the island's southwest. Local officials said rescue teams faced difficulty reaching some affected areas because of the extent of the flooding and debris.

Two people died after being swept away and electrocuted in Jembrana Regency, authorities said. Three bodies were recovered in Gianyar and one in Badung regency. Emergency responders and local officials warned that unstable terrain and fast-moving water continued to pose hazards for search operations.

The extreme rainfall intensified across the island since Tuesday, with a climatological station in Bali recording more than 385 millimeters of rain within 24 hours. Popular tourist areas were also badly affected, with hotels and businesses reporting significant disruption to operations.

Officials in several parts of the island pointed to clogged drainage systems and poor waste management as factors that worsened the flooding, saying rubbish obstructed waterways and drains. Bali has long faced challenges with infrastructure and waste disposal amid a growing population and tourism pressures.

President Prabowo Subianto expressed condolences and ordered relevant agencies to act "swiftly," his cabinet secretary said. The president called for targeted aid to affected communities and coordination across national and provincial agencies.

The disaster agency also reported heavy rain and flash flooding on other islands. In neighbouring East Nusa Tenggara province, authorities said at least three people died, two were injured and four remained missing after floods and landslides.

Landslides and flash floods are common in the Indonesian archipelago during the rainy season. Local officials and scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, compounding existing vulnerabilities in coastal and low-lying areas.

A severe weather warning remained in effect for parts of Bali on Wednesday, though forecasts indicated rains would be less intense from Thursday. Authorities urged residents and visitors to avoid flooded areas, heed evacuation orders and stay informed through official channels as recovery and damage assessments continue.