Due to heavy rainfall, unusual waterfalls are forming in different areas on Mount Agung in Karangasem, Bali. These new waterfalls appear to be more frequent than those seen in past rainy seasons.
Among the newly visible waterfalls, some are located about 2,100 meters above sea level along the Pasar Agung climbing route. The water flows through lahar paths that typically remain dry during the dry season.
Made Dwi Wiratmaja, Coordinator of Analysis and Forecasting at the Bali Climatology Station of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BBMKG) Region III Denpasar, explained that these waterfalls are caused by a large volume of water from heavy rainfall.
"The heavy water flow on the mountain makes it appear like a waterfall," Dwi said on December 9, 2024.
According to weather reports, Dwi stated that heavy rainfall occurred in early December 2024 at several observation points in Karangasem. For example, the Besakih Rain Post recorded over 50 millimeters of rainfall per day from December 1 to 3, 2024, classified as heavy rain. On December 6, 2024, the rainfall exceeded 100 millimeters per day, falling into the very heavy rainfall category.
On December 6, the Pempatan Rain Observation Post recorded over 150 millimeters of rain, an amount classified as extreme rainfall. Similar extreme rain was reported in Singaraja on December 1 and 4, 2024.
Dwi suggested that these impromptu waterfalls resulted from the ground being fully saturated by the previous week's rainfall.
"This causes the rainwater to flow over the surface, heading toward river routes around Mount Agung," he explained.
Wayan Widi Yasa, a Mount Agung climbing guide from Sogra Hamlet, shared that the area had recently experienced heavy rainfall. This led to several tourists canceling their trips due to poor weather conditions.
While the waterfalls provide an impressive sight, Widi cautioned that the heavy rains increase the risks for climbers. Wet conditions can make trails slippery, destabilize the ground, and reduce visibility.
Widi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Sebudi Village Forest Management Institution in Karangasem, advised climbers to contact local guides at nearby posts to ensure their safety before attempting the climb.