DENPASAR – Bali floods foreign tourists evacuated as joint search and rescue teams carried out dramatic operations across the island on Wednesday (Sept. 10). More than 142 residents and dozens of international visitors were rescued, including several foreign nationals pulled out of hotels in the tourism hub of Kuta.

The operation highlighted the dual challenge faced by authorities: protecting local residents in flood-prone neighborhoods while also ensuring the safety of visitors in one of the world’s most famous travel destinations.

According to Bali Search and Rescue (Basarnas) Chief I Nyoman Sidakarya, teams entered Jalan Dewi Sri, Kuta late in the afternoon, where they evacuated three Arab nationals, five Australians, four Russians, and three South Koreans, along with three Indonesians. “All foreign nationals have been safely evacuated. They left their hotels and were escorted by their travel agents to the airport,” Sidakarya said on Thursday (Sept. 11).

Before reaching Kuta, SAR teams had spent the morning and early afternoon combing through the city of Denpasar, where rising waters trapped families in their homes. At 7:30 a.m., rescuers saved two adults and one child in Kampung Jawa, Jalan Ahmad Yani. By 10:30 a.m., they had carried out the largest single rescue of the day, pulling 53 adults, 17 children, and 11 toddlers from Jalan Pura Demak.

While most were found alive, not all survived the disaster. Three fatalities were recorded on Wednesday alone: one on Jalan Hasanudin, another at Kumbasari Market, and a third at Jalan Cokroaminoto, Gang Anggrek. Each victim was discovered alongside survivors, underscoring the deadly risks faced by both locals and tourists.

For visitors, the experience was unexpected and unsettling. Tourists who had planned quiet stays in Kuta were forced to abandon their belongings as floodwaters entered hotel premises. With roads submerged, evacuation required the use of rubber boats and high-clearance trucks. Some tourists expressed shock at how quickly the situation escalated, while others praised the swift response of Indonesian authorities.

Travel agencies moved quickly to assist, ensuring that evacuated tourists were transported directly to the airport. Many foreign visitors opted to cut their trips short, prioritizing safety over holiday plans. Local tourism operators, meanwhile, stressed that the evacuations were a temporary measure and that efforts were underway to restore normalcy in affected areas.

The flooding, triggered by continuous heavy rains, disrupted both local communities and Bali’s tourism sector. For many, it was a stark reminder that even paradise is not immune to natural disasters. Yet the coordinated efforts of rescue teams also showcased the island’s capacity to respond swiftly in emergencies, with both locals and international guests receiving immediate attention.

As Bali continues recovery efforts, the story of foreign tourists caught in the floods is likely to resonate with travelers around the world, reminding them that safety remains a top priority—even on an island better known for sunsets, surf, and serenity.