Number of Mount Bawakaraeng Climbers Evacuated Due to Hypothermia Reaches 31

The Joint SAR Team has reported that the number of climbers who had to be evacuated due to physical difficulties during the 81st Indonesian Independence Day celebrations on Mount Bawakaraeng, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, has risen to 31 people as of Tuesday (18/8/2026).

Commander of Basarnas Makassar Rescuers, Darul Astiyadi, revealed that the majority of evacuated climbers suffered from hypothermia, asthma, severe exhaustion, and leg injuries. These conditions were triggered by extremely crowded climbing routes and exposure to extreme cold temperatures in the mountainous area.

“As of Tuesday morning, the team is still working hard to evacuate one climber who suffered a severe knee injury around Post 7 on the Lembanna route. The victim had to be carried down the mountain on a stretcher through steep terrain to a safe point,” said Darul in an official statement.

Based on data from the registration post, a total of 3,786 climbers crowded Mount Bawakaraeng via four main routes, namely Bulu Balea, Tassoso, Kanreapia, and Lembanna. This surge in participants was part of the public’s enthusiasm to take part in the red-and-white flag-raising ceremony at the mountain’s summit.

To anticipate safety risks, a total of 295 joint SAR team personnel were deployed from 15 to 18 August 2026. Personnel were stationed at eight strategic points, including in the Ramma Valley and the summit of Mount Bawakaraeng, to monitor climbers’ movements from ascent to return.

Head of the Makassar Class A Search and Rescue Office, Muhammad Arif Anwar, stressed that although the Special Red and White SAR Alert Operation period has officially ended, the team remains on full standby to ensure all climbers descend safely.

Basarnas has asked groups of climbers descending on the final day to maintain their pace and watch over fellow group members. If any climber suffers an injury or severe exhaustion, they should immediately report to the nearest alert post.

As of now, most of the victims who experienced health problems have been evacuated to the Bulu Balea Post for medical treatment, while several others have been referred to the Tinggi Moncong Community Health Centre for further care.