Denpasar. Torrential floods swept across Bali on Wednesday, leaving at least nine people dead and two missing, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

The provincial capital, Denpasar, was the hardest hit, along with Jembrana, Gianyar, Klungkung, Badung, and Tabanan districts. BNPB reported that 202 families, or 620 people, were directly affected, with hundreds forced to evacuate to schools, temples, and other public buildings.

“In total, nine people have died and two are still missing,” said Abdul Muhari, BNPB’s head of information. He noted that Denpasar alone recorded five fatalities and two missing, while Jembrana reported two deaths, and Gianyar and Badung each one death.

In Jakarta, President Prabowo Subianto instructed BNPB and related agencies to act swiftly in responding to the disaster in Bali and neighboring East Nusa Tenggara, where at least eight others were killed by flooding.

“President Prabowo has ordered the head of BNPB and other relevant agencies to immediately take action at the disaster sites,” Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a statement.

BNPB chief Suharyanto has flown to Bali to oversee emergency operations, while the president also stressed the need for rapid and targeted aid distribution to affected communities.

Rare Summer Flooding
Severe flooding is rare in Bali, especially during the dry season. However, more than 24 hours of heavy rain caused the Badung River to overflow, overwhelming drainage systems and inundating large sections of urban areas.

Videos circulating on social media showed dozens of cars swept away in flash floods in Denpasar. In one incident, a woman was found dead after her vehicle was carried off a bridge. Another widely shared video captured a multi-story shop building collapsing as floodwaters surged through its ground floor.

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said his ministry had deployed heavy equipment to clear debris and waste to accelerate recovery. “We are prioritizing the safety and comfort of affected residents. The Public Works Ministry is providing full support in addressing the impact of the floods,” he said.

By Wednesday afternoon, waters had begun to recede in many areas, and major roads were once again passable.