Breaking: Three-Year-Old Drowns in Flash Flood; Search Continues in Babatan Wiyung
A heart-wrenching search is underway in Babatan Wiyung after a three-year-old toddler was swept away by floodwaters on Tuesday evening, December 24, 2024. Despite extensive efforts, the child remains missing as of Wednesday night.
The toddler was playing near a drainage channel with two older cousins when she suddenly wandered towards it and fell in. The strong current quickly swept her away, a grim scene captured on CCTV. Authorities, including the Wiyung Police, the Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), and the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), have been conducting search operations since the incident occurred.
Wiyung Police Chief, Commissioner Slamet Agus Sambodo, revealed that the joint team has been searching along the Makmur River but has yet to find any trace of the missing child. "We’ve been searching downstream, on foot, all the way to the banks of the Makmur River. We’ll continue searching upstream tomorrow morning at 7 AM, using divers to assist in the search," he told suaraSurabaya.net.
If the search remains fruitless, authorities plan to deploy divers to scour the riverbed. Commissioner Sambodo urged parents, especially those with young children, to exercise caution and maintain close supervision, particularly during heavy rain. "Please be extra vigilant, especially with young children who love playing near water. They should never be left unattended," he pleaded.
The toddler’s family is devastated by the tragedy. Let us all hope for a swift and safe recovery. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
