Heavy rains continue to pour down on Bali, causing severe flooding in popular tourist areas like Seminyak and Legian. The rising water levels have even led to foreign tourists being evacuated by boat as the situation worsens.
Since Sunday morning (22/12/2024), the flooding have inundated the regions of Seminyak and Legian in Kuta District, Badung, Bali. Tourists staying in local villas have been the primary evacuees, with rescue teams working tirelessly to relocate them to safer spots.
The worst-hit area has been Dewi Sri in Legian, where the water level reportedly reached up to an adult’s waist in some places. Other parts of the area saw water levels that were knee-high. Flooding also affected several streets, including Kresna Street, Pandawa Street, Dewi Ratih Street, and other locations near Dewi Sri.
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Many foreign nationals had to be evacuated from their accommodations by a joint search and rescue (SAR) team using rubber boats. The group included not only adults but also children and women who needed assistance getting to higher ground.
The Dewi Sri area, which is home to hundreds of villas and residential houses, has been severely impacted. Local residents were unable to return to their homes, choosing instead to wait for the waters to recede. Many vehicles were submerged as well, a situation that has unfortunately occurred multiple times in the area.
The floodwaters were primarily caused by an increase in the volume of water in Tukad Mati River. The river, located to the west of the affected areas, was unable to handle the influx of water from upstream due to the continuous heavy rain that has been hitting Bali.
This overflow of water has spilled into residential neighborhoods, compounding the damage. Adding to the challenge, rainfall intensity has surged again since Saturday night (21/12/2024), exacerbating the flooding situation.
According to Travel Detik, the Badung Public Works and Housing Office (PUPR) has stepped in to help alleviate the situation. They have been using five portable pumps to drain the floodwaters faster and direct them back into the river.
The flooding wasn’t confined to Legian alone. Even the upscale residential area on Belong Street in Seminyak saw water from Tukad Mati River inundating homes. Luh Mayun, a local resident, noted that the heavy rains had continued relentlessly since the night before.
Floodwaters began accumulating early Sunday morning, around 3:00 AM WITA, with several villa guests being evacuated to higher ground by villa management.
Ketut Murdika, Head of the Emergency and Logistics Division at BPBD Badung, confirmed that evacuations are still ongoing. A wide range of parties, including Linmas Legian and Seminyak, Balawista Badung, and PUPR, are involved in flood management and rescue efforts.
