Youth in Kupang Missing After Being Swept Away by Floodwaters While Returning from Herding Cattle
An 18-year-old youth named Dominigus De Jesus Frias went missing after being swept away by floodwaters in the Manusak River, East Kupang District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred when the victim was returning home after herding cattle.
“The victim is believed to have been swept away by floodwaters and has not yet been found,” said Mexianus Bekabel, Head of the Kupang Search and Rescue Office, to detikBali on Monday (9 March 2026).
Mexianus explained that Dominigus had left his home in Manusak Village, East Kupang District, at approximately 15:00 local time. He had gone to herd cattle at a location not far from his residence.
On his way home, Dominigus crossed the Manusak River. It is believed that at this point, he was swept away by a major flood surge caused by heavy rainfall.
When the victim failed to return home, his family and local residents conducted searches in the surrounding area. However, by nightfall, Dominigus had not been found.
The Community Security Officer (Babinsa) for East Kupang District, Manuel Amaral, subsequently reported the incident to the Kupang Search and Rescue Office at approximately 19:45 local time to initiate a search operation.
In response to this report, nine rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene using two D-Max rescue vehicles. The team brought supporting search and rescue equipment to conduct the search and rescue operation.
Upon arrival at the scene, the combined search and rescue team immediately began sweeping and searching the surrounding area. However, by the time the initial search was completed, Dominigus had not been found.
The search resumed on Monday morning, involving the East Kupang Community Security Officers, the Kupang Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), East Kupang Police Precinct, local residents, and the victim’s family.
“The combined search and rescue team has continued the search by expanding the sweeping area along the Manusak River. We hope the victim will be found soon,” explained Mexianus.