DENPASAR, Indonesia — Torrential rains swept across Bali this week, unleashing floods and landslides that killed at least 16 people, forced hundreds from their homes and left Indonesia’s premier tourist destination struggling to recover just as international travel demand has been climbing.

The rains, intensified by an equatorial weather system, began pounding the island on Monday and continued for several days, causing rivers to overflow and hillsides to collapse. Disaster officials said the flooding was among the worst in recent memory for Bali, a province better known for white-sand beaches, luxury resorts and spiritual retreats than for natural disasters.

Six districts, including the capital city of Denpasar, were hit hard. In Gianyar and Tabanan, homes were destroyed and roadways washed out. In Jembrana and Karangasem, landslides cut off access to villages and complicated search-and-rescue efforts. By Friday, at least 500 people had been evacuated into temporary shelters, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

Impact on Infrastructure and Travel

The floods inundated more than 80 neighborhoods in Denpasar alone, damaging bridges, knocking out power and contaminating water supplies. Rescue workers reported pulling stranded residents from rooftops as currents swept away kiosks and vehicles.

Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali’s main gateway for international visitors, remains open, though road access has been heavily disrupted. Authorities warned that travelers should expect delays in reaching the airport and urged them to confirm schedules with airlines. Public transport on the island has been unreliable, with some roads still navigable only by heavy trucks and emergency vehicles.

Despite the damage, most hotels and resorts in popular coastal enclaves like Seminyak, Nusa Dua and Canggu have continued operations. Tourism officials said that while rural and mountainous areas remain risky, much of Bali’s tourist infrastructure has been spared the worst.

Government Response

The government has deployed hundreds of soldiers, police officers and disaster response teams to assist in evacuations and to clear debris from roads and rivers. President Joko Widodo ordered immediate financial assistance for affected families and promised infrastructure repairs to strengthen the island’s resilience against future floods.

Indonesia’s meteorological agency said the peak of rainfall had passed but cautioned that storms could continue intermittently over the coming week. Officials urged residents and visitors alike to remain alert to the possibility of further landslides in Bali’s hilly interior.

Tourists Advised to Exercise Caution

The Ministry of Tourism has asked travelers to avoid affected districts and to follow local guidance. Officials also recommended that visitors carry travel insurance covering natural disasters, a measure some hotels are now beginning to require.

“Tourists do not need to cancel their trips to Bali,” said Ni Wayan Giri Adnyani, secretary of the ministry. “But they should be aware that travel times may be longer, some roads are closed, and safety precautions must be taken seriously.”

For the thousands of foreign visitors still arriving daily, the message is one of cautious optimism: Bali remains open, but the island is in the midst of recovery. (zai)