Bali Flooding Crisis: Hundreds Evacuated After Torrential Rains Hit Tourist Areas

Dozens of foreign tourists rescued as flights diverted and facilities inundated Severe flooding swept across parts of Bali after days of intense rainfall, disrupting tourism activities and forcing hundreds, including foreign visitors, to seek temporary safety. Torrential Rains Trigger Widespread Flooding Flooding struck several districts across Bali beginning late February 23, following intense and sustained rainfall. According to I Gede Agung Teja Bhusana Yadnya, a senior official from Bali’s local disaster mitigation agency, rising waters affected multiple areas, including the provincial capital of Denpasar and the Badung district. There were no reported fatalities as of February 24. However, floodwaters inundated public facilities such as cafes and a gas station in Badung, disrupting daily activities and tourism operations in one of Indonesia’s most visited destinations. Approximately 350 people temporarily sought safety as waters rose, though most were able to return home once conditions improved. Tourists Among Those Evacuated The flooding also impacted foreign visitors. Around 30 international tourists were evacuated on February 24, some using rubber boats to move through waterlogged streets. “We are here to visit Bali Zoo, so we were trying to visit the elephants but due to this condition we couldn’t do this,” said 28-year-old Mexican tourist Briana Palacios in comments to AFP. Officials noted that some tourists relocated to alternative hotels, while others later returned to their original accommodations once the waters receded. Flight Disruptions at Bali Airport The extreme weather also disrupted air travel. Two international flights scheduled to land in Bali were diverted on February 23, while three outbound flights were delayed, according to an airport spokesperson. Such disruptions highlight the broader economic implications of extreme weather in Bali, where tourism remains a key driver of local income. A Reminder of Past Disasters The recent flooding comes just months after a deadly flash flood in September that killed at least 18 people and left four missing. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency described that incident as Bali’s worst flood in a decade. While this week’s flooding did not result in casualties, it underscores the island’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. Bali’s latest flooding incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing impact of extreme weather on Southeast Asia’s tourism hubs. As travel flows between Indonesia and Singapore remain strong, weather resilience and disaster preparedness will continue to shape visitor confidence and regional economic stability. Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Oman Observer (2026) Keywords: Bali Flood February 2026, Badung District Flood, Denpasar Flooding, Bali Airport Diversions, Indonesia Disaster Agency