Gowa, South Sulawesi. At least 65 hikers were treated for hypothermia after taking part in Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day flag-raising ceremony on Mount Bawakaraeng, a popular hiking destination in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. One of the victims, a 24-year-old man identified as Irfan, died during the descent and has since been buried in his hometown in Bone.

Rescue officials said the number of hikers who developed hypothermia rose to 65 as of Monday, up from 52 a day earlier. All victims have since been evacuated to the mountain’s base in Lembanna, Tinggimoncong district.

“Altogether, 65 victims were handled by the Red-and-White emergency response team,” said Andi Sultan, head of operations at the Makassar Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

Authorities said the evacuation process was particularly difficult due to slippery trails caused by heavy rainfall. Despite the challenges, joint rescue teams managed to bring all affected hikers safely down the mountain.

Basarnas data showed that a total of 4,176 people participated in the Independence Day commemoration on Mount Bawakaraeng, supported by 87 organizations and 326 personnel deployed between August 15 and 18.

Irfan, the only fatality, reportedly developed severe hypothermia after the ceremony at the summit. He was unable to survive the trek down despite rescue efforts.

Mount Bawakaraeng, standing at 2,830 meters above sea level, is a traditional site for Independence Day ceremonies that draw thousands of hikers each year. However, officials have repeatedly warned of the risks posed by extreme weather and inadequate preparation among participants.

Add as a preferred source on Google +