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Indonesia: 19 dead after flash floods

Felix Tamsut with AP, AFP
September 11, 2025

Two islands were affected by flash floods, including tourist hotspot Bali. At least 19 people have been killed, with the authorities still carrying out search and rescue operations to find several people missing.

People carrying their belongings wade through a flooded street following overnight heavy rains
More than 500 people were evacuated, with schools and mosques turning to sheltersImage: Dicky Bisinglasi/REUTERS

Flash floods in two Indonesian islands resulted in at least 19 deaths, officials said Thursday, with several others still missing.

One of the islands affected is Bali, a tourist hotspot, with seven districts across the island being affected by floods and landslides.

Fourteen people have been confirmed dead in Bali, while two are still missing. The death toll in Flores island rose to five as a young child was found dead, according to local authorities.

In the Flores island region of Nagekeo, excavators and a thermal drone were part of the rescue operation in a bid to locate three people still missing.

According to National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Abdul Muhari, emergency response efforts are still ongoing in search for victims.

More than 500 people were evacuated due to the floods, with schools and mosques turning into makeshift shelters.

Bali is Indonesia's most popular tourist destinationImage: Dicky Bisinglasi/REUTERS

What do the floods have to do with climate change?

Indonesia typically experiences a monsoon season between November and April, which includes landslides and floods.

However, storm patterns and the length and severity of the season has been affected by climate change, resulting in heavier rain and flash flooding.

Heavy rain and flash floods resulted in several dozens of deaths between January and March on Indonesia's Java island.

Rescue operations are underway in search of several missing peopleImage: Johannes P. Christo/Andalou/picture alliance

Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher

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