A list of ways to aid those affected by the floods in Bali

Bali experienced its worst flooding in more than a decade earlier this month when heavy rains on September 9 and 10 triggered landslides and flash floods across the island.

At least 17 people were killed in the first days, most of them swept away by floodwaters. By September 17, Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana/BNPB) confirmed the death toll had risen to 18.

The floods affected more than 6,300 families, damaged 520 public facilities, destroyed three bridges, and disrupted roads in 23 locations.

According to Antara, BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari explained that extreme rainfall caused the Ayung River Basin to overflow, inundating areas including Denpasar, Jembrana, Buleleng, Gianyar, and Karangasem.

BNPB has also warned that similar disasters are likely in the future.

“In civil engineering, we know the term ‘flood return period’. Some are 50 years, some 100 years. A major flood like the one in Bali is likely to occur again,” Muhari said.

The flooding has also renewed concern over overdevelopment.

In an article by The Guardian, it’s been reported that the flooding has renewed concern over overdevelopment.

BNPB environmental data also shows that Bali lost 553 hectares of forest and 650 hectares of agricultural land between 2012 and 2019, reducing water catchment areas.

With predictions that Denpasar’s built-up areas could expand to 35,000 hectares by 2025, Governor Wayan Koster announced a ban on Sunday, September 14 on new hotels and restaurants on productive land, including rice fields, in an effort to reduce future risks.

In response to the floods, communities throughout Bali are collaborating to distribute aid to affected households and charitable organisations, with coordination and crowdfunding efforts largely facilitated through social media.

Below is a list of charities and organisations you can donate to.

- Sungai Watch

- Ragam Foundation

- Bali Animal Welfare Association

- Scholars of Sustenance

- Bumi Sehat Foundation

- Kopernik

A portion of revenue from The Mixmag Lab Bali, which was held on September 13, will be donated to those affected by the floods.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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