DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Flooding in parts of Denpasar on Sunday afternoon, 14 December 2025, forced the evacuation of 20 foreign nationals staying at flood-affected villas along Jalan Gunung Atena II.
Local authorities said the evacuees consisted of 11 Singaporean nationals, three Australians, four Chinese nationals, and two Indian nationals. All were staying in villa accommodations that became inundated as water levels continued to rise.
One Australian national, identified as Latai, said he had only arrived at the villa a day earlier.
“It was my first time staying here, and I was immediately welcomed by heavy rain,” he said, adding that he and two companions decided to relocate due to the flooding.
In addition to foreign nationals, two domestic tourists from Jakarta and two local residents were also evacuated. The evacuation process was carried out using one rubber boat, deployed by emergency responders.
Residential Area Severely Affected
Flooding hit Jalan Gunung Atena and surrounding areas earlier in the day, with severe conditions reported at Widuri Permai residential complex in Padang Sumbu Kelod. By around 1:20 p.m. local time (WITA), water levels in several sections had reached chest height for adults.
Residents said floodwaters began entering the neighborhood at approximately 4:00 a.m., flowing from a small river that overflowed into Tukad Mati before spreading into residential and villa areas.
“The deeper you go inside, the higher the water. In the middle area, it reached chest level,” said local resident Wayan Sugianta.
He noted that 27 households in the area were affected, including several villa properties.
“This is the second time this year. We were also hit during Pagerwesi, but not as badly as this. This is the worst so far,” he added.
Emergency Response Ongoing
Denpasar Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Secretary Anak Agung Surya Kencana confirmed that two residents were evacuated by rubber boat, while others chose to remain in their homes.
“The rest decided to stay and wait for the water to recede,” he said.
He added that water pumping operations could not yet be carried out due to the continued flow of incoming water.
“Once the remaining standing water is left, we can begin pumping. For now, we are staying on standby,” Surya Kencana explained.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents and visitors in flood-prone areas to remain alert as water levels remain high.