Torrential rain turns Bali's streets into rivers, and cars drift away.

World-famous tourist destinations have been flooded after unusually heavy rainfall on the Indonesian island of Bali. The island of Flores, further east and also very popular with vacationers, has also been severely affected. Roads, underpasses, and houses are under water. Cars have been washed away, many people have had to be evacuated, some by boat, and the death toll is rising.

A total of 18 people have died on both islands so far, and six others are missing, according to authorities. Bali's capital, Denpasar, was particularly hard hit, but even in popular tourist destinations like Canggu and Ubud, streets partially turned into rivers, the Bali Sun newspaper reported. Disaster management also reported several landslides.

At least 14 people died in the floods on Bali alone. According to the disaster management agency, more than 560 people had to leave their homes and were accommodated in community centers and schools. Traffic chaos prevailed in many places, especially on the access roads to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. According to local media, the damage is extensive. Tourists in the flooded areas were urged not to put themselves in unnecessary danger.

Further storms are expected in the coming days. The German Meteorological Agency (BMKG) blamed the torrential rains on so-called equatorial Rossby waves. These are large, planetary waves that can trigger long-lasting extreme weather conditions. According to meteorologists, the phenomenon led to the formation of dense rain clouds, which triggered the heavy rainfall.

Severe flooding also occurred on the island of Flores. Flash floods in the Nagekeo district claimed four lives, and four more people are missing. Among the victims is a six-month-old baby. Two toddlers are also missing.

Floods and landslides are commonplace in Indonesia almost every year during the rainy season between November and March. However, the current rains are considered unusually heavy. Bali, the "Island of the Gods," known for its rice paddies, temples, and beaches, is one of the most popular travel destinations in Indonesia, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world every year.