16 Hikers Suffer Hypothermia After Independence Day Summit Tribute
Dozens of hikers suffered from hypothermia while participating in the Independence Day ceremony on Mount Bawakaraeng's summit.
Rescuers evacuated 16 hikers from Mount Bawakaraeng's summit in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. The climbers fell ill with hypothermia during Independence Day celebrations, including flag-raising ceremonies. Most victims experienced hypothermia symptoms, leg injuries, and severe physical fatigue, according to Muhammad Arif Anwar, Head of Makassar Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency) Office, speaking to Antara on August 17, 2026.
Arif detailed that his team rescued eight climbers and transported them to the Bulu Balea Registration Post, where further evacuation and medical care continued into Monday evening. Some climbers were sent to nearby health facilities like the Tinggi Moncong Public Health Center (Puskesmas). Basarnas recorded 3,786 climbers across four entry points on the route to the summit.
Anwar highlighted the presence of 2,033 hikers at the Bulu Balea Post, 1,081 at Tassoso, 422 at Kanreapia, and 250 at Lembanna. Joint personnel monitored the bustling routes to manage the challenging terrain. Ahead of Independence Day, Basarnas organized a Red and White Operation from August 15 to 18, 2026, with 295 joint personnel stationed at eight strategic points, including the summit and Ramma Valley, to swiftly address emergencies.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
