KARANGASEM, Bali — A 16-year-old female hiker was evacuated from the slopes of Mount Agung early Tuesday morning after developing severe hypothermia during her descent, according to a statement from the Karangasem Search and Rescue (SAR) team. The incident serves as a stark seasonal reminder of the hidden dangers on Bali’s most sacred and challenging volcano, even for local residents.
The hiker, identified as Ni Komang Kartika from Tabanan, began suffering from intense cold and exhaustion at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters above sea level on Monday evening, as reported by IDNTimes. Unable to continue, she and her companions built an emergency tent and awaited help.
“Upon receiving a report from the victim’s friend, we immediately responded and prepared an evacuation effort, even though the night conditions were quite challenging,” said Putu Bhayangkara, Field Coordinator of the Karangasem SAR Post.
A Coordinated Midnight Rescue
A coordinated rescue operation was swiftly launched. A local forest guide from the Mahawana Besakih Village was first dispatched and successfully located the hiker’s group at around 2,050 meters. A seven-person SAR team then departed from Pura Pengubengan around midnight, with reinforcements following to a secondary base camp. The hiker was evacuated in stages, arriving at the command post by 4:20 a.m. local time (WITA). After an initial medical assessment, she was transferred via ambulance to the Rendang Community Health Center (Puskesmas) for further treatment.
A Vital Warning for Bali’s Hiking Community
Mount Agung, an active volcano standing at 3,031 meters, is not only a pivotal spiritual site for Balinese Hindus but also a demanding physical climb. Its weather is notoriously unpredictable, with temperatures that can plummet rapidly, especially after sunset and during the rainy season. This rescue underscores a critical safety message for all who venture onto Bali’s high peaks, including experienced expatriate hikers and adventure-seeking tourists.
Key precautions for a safe hike include:
- Respect the Mountain: Agung is not a casual trek. Adequate physical preparation, proper gear (including warm, moisture-wicking layers, a headlamp, and emergency supplies), and hiring a certified local guide are non-negotiable.
- Understand the Timeline: Start ascents very early to ensure a safe descent before afternoon weather changes or darkness falls. Do not underestimate the time needed.
- Monitor Weather Closely: Check forecasts from the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and heed any warnings. Conditions can change in minutes.
- Know Your Limits: As seen in this case, exhaustion can quickly lead to hypothermia. Turning back is always a wiser choice than pushing beyond one’s capacity.
The successful outcome of this operation was due to the coordinated efforts of the Karangasem SAR team, local police, disaster management agencies, and the invaluable knowledge of the community’s forest guides. For anyone looking to experience Bali’s majestic highlands, this incident highlights that the greatest respect for the island’s natural beauty is a commitment to preparedness and safety.
Important Emergency Contact Information
In the event of an emergency in the mountains of Bali, it is crucial to know how to reach help. For immediate search and rescue assistance in the Karangasem region or across Bali, you can contact:
- National Emergency SAR: Call 115 (Basarnas).
- Karangasem Local Disaster Agency (BPBD): (0363) 22173 or 08123711174.
- Karangasem SAR Post: 081237593155.
- Denpasar Basarnas for Bali Region (SMS/WhatsApp): 0812-1595-5336.
Hey Bali News provides essential, safety-focused reporting for the island’s international community, helping residents and visitors enjoy Bali’s adventures with awareness and respect.