Indonesia Flooding: Death Toll Climbs to 23, Several Still Missing

The death toll from severe flooding that struck two Indonesian islands, including the popular tourist destination Bali, has risen to 23, officials confirmed on Friday, with five people still missing.

Torrential rains late Tuesday triggered flash floods and landslides across Bali, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported. Four additional bodies were recovered, while two more people remain unaccounted for.

These figures add to the 14 deaths earlier confirmed on Bali and five fatalities reported on the island of Flores.

BNPB chief Suharyanto, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, said the agency had distributed relief materials such as food, clothing, and bedding. He estimated economic losses at around 25 billion rupiah ($1.52 million).

Flash floods also hit Nagekeo district on Flores on Monday, where search operations for three missing victims have been slowed by heavy debris.

Indonesia’s annual monsoon season, which typically runs from November to April, frequently brings landslides, flash floods, and water-borne diseases. Climate change has further intensified storm patterns, increasing rainfall, flash flooding, and strong winds.

Earlier this year, flooding and landslides claimed lives across Java island — three people were killed and five reported missing in March, while at least 25 died in January after floods swept through a town in Central Java.