As Bali enters the heart of the rainy season, local authorities are urging residents, expatriates, and long-stay visitors to prepare for the potential impacts of Tropical Disturbance 93S, a developing weather system expected to influence conditions across the island between 11 and 18 December 2025.
The Bali Regional Disaster Management Agency, known locally as BPBD, has issued a public advisory calling for heightened personal preparedness, including the immediate preparation of an emergency “go-bag” containing essential documents and valuables. The warning follows a string of extreme weather events that have already triggered flooding in multiple regencies over the past week.
A Call for Personal Preparedness
Speaking in Denpasar on Tuesday, I Gede Agung Teja Bhusana Yadnya, Head of BPBD Bali, emphasized that readiness at the household level can significantly reduce risk during sudden evacuations.
“People should prepare emergency measures in advance,” he said in remarks reported by Antara. “Important documents and valuables should be placed in a single emergency bag, so if evacuation becomes necessary, it can be done quickly, without confusion or loss.”
The message, he added, is not meant to provoke alarm but to encourage calm, informed action. In past floods, residents who lacked basic preparedness often lost critical belongings when water levels rose rapidly.
Extreme Weather Already Taking a Toll
According to BPBD data, extreme rainfall linked to Tropical Disturbance 93S has already caused flooding in five regencies across Bali within the last five days. The system has intensified rainfall levels and generated hazardous sea conditions, including elevated wave heights in surrounding waters.
Meteorologists note that even if the disturbance moves away from Indonesian territory, its influence can persist, particularly as Bali remains in peak monsoon season. For coastal communities, farmers, and tourism operators, this translates into ongoing exposure to flooding, landslides, and transportation disruptions.
“First, people must remain calm,” Gede Agung said. “Once calm, they can seek accurate information. Today, nearly every village knows when rainfall is expected thanks to BMKG weather applications.”
Knowing Where to Go, and Who Is Ready
BPBD has also urged residents and newcomers to familiarize themselves with safe zones near their homes, particularly locations away from rivers, ravines, or low-lying drainage corridors. This advice is especially relevant for expatriates and tourists renting villas, many of which are built near waterways or rice fields that can overflow during intense rain.
The agency stressed that emergency response teams remain on standby around the clock. “BPBD does not take holidays,” Gede Agung noted. “We continue to coordinate equipment, pumps, and personnel. Just yesterday, significant effort was required to remove standing water.”
However, he acknowledged that emergency response alone is not enough.
Beyond the Storm: Environmental Pressures
While Tropical Disturbance 93S poses a serious threat, BPBD officials caution against viewing weather as the sole cause of flooding. Bali’s rapid development, aging drainage systems, and declining environmental capacity have amplified the island’s vulnerability.
“Drainage systems, both old and new, need improvement,” Gede Agung said. “We’re seeing not just sediment, but trash, cables, and debris blocking waterways.”
This perspective echoes a growing concern among urban planners and environmental experts that Bali’s infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with population growth and tourism expansion. Unlike the major flooding event in September 2025, which was linked to large-scale atmospheric patterns, the current risks stem from a convergence of seasonal rain, tropical disturbances, and local environmental strain.
What This Means for Visitors and Expats
For travelers and expatriates currently in Bali, authorities recommend staying informed through official BMKG updates, avoiding flood-prone routes during heavy rain, and ensuring accommodations have clear evacuation access if needed.
Preparedness, officials stress, is not about fear but foresight. As Bali navigates another intense monsoon season, awareness and readiness may prove just as vital as any forecast.
