A sudden and striking waterfall has appeared on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak, following days of torrential rainfall.
The sudden waterfalls, while visually stunning, have disrupted climbing activities on Mount Agung.
Wayan Widi Yasa, a local guide from Sogra village near the mountain’s base, shared that several climbing expeditions had to be canceled due to the hazardous conditions caused by persistent rain. Among the cancellations were four groups, including tourists from Portugal.
“The conditions are too dangerous with slippery trails and poor visibility,” he explained. “It’s unfortunate, but safety must come first.”
“The waterfalls have appeared at various points, including around 2,100 meters above sea level on the Pasar Agung trail. These streams flow along lahar channels, which are typically dry during the dry season,” said Widi, who also chairs the Sebudi Village Forest Management Agency.
Record Rainfall Triggers Phenomenon
The phenomenon, which has captured the attention of locals and climbers alike, is attributed to the unusually heavy precipitation recorded in the region since the start of December.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BBMKG) Region III Denpasar, the waterfall was caused by an intense surge of water flow from the mountain’s upper elevations.
“The high volume of water on the mountain gives the appearance of a waterfall from afar,” explained Made Dwi Wiratmaja, Coordinator for Analysis and Forecasting at BBMKG, in a statement on Monday.
Weather observations reveal that Karangasem has been drenched by continuous heavy rain, with some days experiencing extreme downpours. Key monitoring posts recorded rainfall far above normal levels, saturating the ground and causing excess water to flow into the mountain’s dry riverbeds, resulting in temporary waterfalls.
Wiratmaja noted that the ground around Mount Agung had become saturated, unable to absorb the cumulative rainfall of the past week. This saturation led to significant surface runoff, channeling water into the mountain’s dry riverbeds and creating temporary waterfalls.
A Spectacle with Risks
Although the sudden waterfalls offer a rare and mesmerizing sight, they also highlight the potential dangers of Mount Agung’s rugged terrain during the rainy season.
Climbers and nature enthusiasts are advised to prioritize safety and stay informed about weather conditions when exploring the area.
As the rainy weather continues, Widi urged adventurers to consult with local guides at various posts, including Pengubengan, Edelweis, Pasar Agung, and Pucang, before planning any ascent to ensure safety.
