A bout of severe weather caused significant damage in Karangasem Regency and disrupted traffic on a major Denpasar highway, underscoring seasonal risks.
KARANGASEM/DENPASAR, Bali — Powerful winds accompanying heavy rain struck parts of Bali on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, causing property damage and travel disruptions. The most severe impacts were felt in Karangasem Regency, where multiple large trees fell, damaging homes and vehicles, while in Denpasar, a street light collapsed onto the busy Ngurah Rai Bypass.
In Karangasem, the local Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) received several reports of fallen trees from the morning onwards. The most serious incident occurred in Seraya Barat Village, where a 25-meter-long santan tree with an 80-centimeter diameter fell onto a residential garage, crushing two parked motorcycles inside.
“The tree that fell was quite large with many branches; officers had to work hard to evacuate the two buried motorcycles,” said Ida Bagus Ketut Arimbawa, Head of BPBD Karangasem.
The motorcycles were eventually extracted through community effort, with estimated damages reaching 10 million Rupiah. Other fallen trees across the regency blocked roads and damaged PLN power cables, causing minor traffic congestion. BPBD teams worked to clear the debris, restoring most road access by Tuesday.
Incident on a Major Arterial Road
Separately, in Denpasar, a public street light toppled onto the Ngurah Rai Bypass in the lane heading toward the Dewa Ruci (Simpang Siur) intersection during the morning commute. The collapse, attributed to the strong winds, temporarily disrupted traffic flow.
Denpasar Police Traffic Unit Head, Kompol Yusuf Dwi Admodjo, confirmed that officers immediately secured the scene. “We carried out initial security measures so traffic flow could return to normal,” Yusuf stated. Police coordinated with the state electricity company (PLN) and the Transportation Office to manage the hazard and check for live wires before clearing the obstruction. No injuries were reported in either location.
Official Advisory and Safety Reminder
With extreme weather conditions persisting, BPBD Karangasem has urged residents to exercise caution regarding the potential for further falling trees. The agency advised the public to avoid non-essential outdoor activities and to be vigilant if tall, aged trees are near their homes.
A Note for Travelers and Expatriates in Bali
This series of incidents serves as a timely seasonal reminder for all residents and visitors in Bali. The island’s west season (musim barat) frequently brings sudden, powerful squalls, especially in elevated and coastal areas.
- Exercise Caution: If traveling during or after heavy rain and high winds, be alert for potential debris on roads, including branches and unsecured objects.
- Avoid Parking Under Trees: When possible, avoid parking motorcycles or cars under large, old trees, particularly in stormy conditions.
- Heed Official Warnings: Pay attention to weather advisories from the BMKG and instructions from local authorities regarding road safety.
- Plan for Delays: Allow extra travel time and expect possible detours or slowdowns on major routes like the Ngurah Rai Bypass during severe weather.
Staying informed and practicing defensive habits are key to navigating Bali safely during its dynamic rainy season.
Hey Bali News provides updates on local conditions and safety advisories to help our community stay informed and secure.
