Indonesia Launches Large-Scale Relief Operations as Flooding Ravages Bali

Denpasar, Bali – In the wake of devastating flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains, the Indonesian government has initiated comprehensive relief operations across Bali to aid impacted communities, restore critical infrastructure, and prevent further casualties.

The floods, which struck Bali earlier this week, have severely affected nine cities and districts including Denpasar, Gianyar, Badung, Jembrana and Tabanan. Rivers burst their banks, homes were submerged, landslides occur in hillside areas, and dozens of neighborhoods remain inundated.

As of the latest reports, at least 16 people have died in Bali, with several still missing. Hundreds of people have been displaced, forced to seek shelter in emergency evacuation centres set up in schools, mosques, community halls, and other public buildings.

Authorities have mobilised more than 600 rescue workers, including national disaster response teams, military personnel, local police, and volunteers, to conduct search and rescue missions, clear debris, restore access roads and bridges, and ensure the delivery of emergency supplies.

Essential aid being distributed includes tents, food, clean water, blankets, mattresses, rubber boats, and water pumps, while temporary shelters are being established for those whose homes were made uninhabitable. Efforts are also underway to restore power and communications infrastructure that were knocked out by the floods.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited one of the main evacuation posts in Banjar Tohpati, Denpasar, engaging directly with displaced residents and committing to swift recovery aid and government support. He emphasised that assessment of damage, coordination with local authorities, and prioritising human welfare are central to the relief campaign.

President Prabowo Subianto has also ordered the head of the national disaster management agency (BNPB) to lead the emergency response effort, assuring that basic needs for affected communities—food, shelter, clean water—will be met without delay.

While the waters are starting to recede in many areas, challenges remain: access is difficult in some regions due to damaged roads and landslides; many homes and businesses require sanitation and cleanup; and thousands of residents continue to live in temporary shelters awaiting repairs and infrastructure restoration.

Outlook: Indonesia’s response is entering a critical phase: relief operations are shifting toward rehabilitation, rebuilding and strengthening resilience in flood-prone zones. As heavy seasonal rains are expected to continue, the government and disaster management agencies are under pressure to improve infrastructure, drainage systems, land-use planning, and early warning mechanisms to avoid repeat tragedies.