Bali Flooding Update as Torrential Rains Hit Karangasem
A sudden spell of intense rainfall caused significant flooding across parts of Karangasem on Thursday, turning several villages in Manggis District into fast-moving streams. Videos of a car being swept away by muddy water spread quickly across social media, prompting a wider public focus on the scale of the disaster and renewing attention on emergency preparedness across the island. According to early assessments in this Bali Flooding Update, the flooding was triggered by the overflow of Tukad Betel, a river that could no longer contain the surge of water after hours of persistent rain.
Communities Struggle as Water Rises
Authorities reported that the floods began around 1:30 p.m. and moved rapidly into residential areas. Ida Bagus Ketut Arimbawa, head of the Karangasem Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), confirmed on Friday morning that no fatalities were recorded. This Bali Flooding Update highlights that villages including Gegelang, Antiga, and Antiga Kelod were among the hardest hit, with water entering dozens of homes. Many residents saw their living rooms, kitchens, and courtyards inundated before the water gradually receded later in the evening.
In Pangitebel, 18 families were affected by flooding that entered their homes. In nearby Dusun Tengading, another 17 families faced similar conditions. While most households chose to stay, some residents were forced to evacuate due to landslides triggered by the same heavy rains.
Landslides Add to the Emergency
The Bali Flooding Update also notes two separate landslide incidents. In Dusun Abian Canang, Ulakan Village, one home was hit by a partial collapse, prompting the evacuation of a family of three. In Telengan, Gegelang Village, another home suffered structural damage due to shifting soil, though residents chose to remain inside after emergency assessments.
The widespread impact of the rain was not limited to homes. The perimeter wall of SMP Negeri 3 Manggis collapsed under the pressure of water, adding to the list of infrastructure damage. Main roads also flooded, particularly the national highway in Pangitebel, where vehicles stalled and traffic toward Denpasar came to a complete standstill for nearly an hour.
Emergency Teams Work Into the Night
Joint emergency response teams arrived on the scene around 5 p.m. and continued working until 8 p.m., clearing debris, redirecting water, and helping residents move belongings to higher ground. According to this Bali Flooding Update, one of the most affected routes, the Bengkel corridor, was fully submerged earlier in the day before water levels finally dropped by evening.
Only one family required full evacuation, moving to a safer location after their home was damaged by the landslide in Ulakan. Authorities are continuing assessments today, monitoring river conditions and evaluating the stability of slopes in areas prone to shifting soil.
A Reminder of Bali’s Growing Climate Challenges
This Bali Flooding Update underscores a familiar but increasingly urgent reality for Bali: the island’s weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable, and communities must brace for more frequent extreme rainfall events. While Thursday’s flood caused no loss of life, the rapid rise of water, infrastructure damage, and online circulation of dramatic videos show how quickly the situation can escalate.
For residents, expats, and travelers on the island, staying aware of local weather advisories and river conditions is becoming essential. As Bali continues to expand its tourism and residential hubs, the need for stronger river management, improved drainage, and disaster preparedness grows accordingly.
The waters may have receded in Karangasem, but the message from this incident remains clear: Bali’s evolving climate demands close attention — and timely updates such as this Bali Flooding Update remain crucial for everyone on the island.
Reported by Fabio Agung
Written by Hey Bali Newsroom
