BLITAR – A flushing operation at the Wlingi-Lodoyo Dam in Blitar turned deadly after strong currents in the Brantas River swept away three people searching for fish, leaving one man still missing.
The incident happened on Monday in Satriyan village, Kanigoro district, during the scheduled reservoir flushing process. Authorities said the operation sharply increased water levels and river currents.
Kanigoro Police Chief Didik Sugiarto identified the missing man as Isnaini, a resident of Dawung hamlet in Pagerwojo village, Kesamben district.
Police said the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. local time while Isnaini and several other residents searched for fish along the riverbank.
“Residents initially searched for fish near the riverbank using nets and sacks,” Didik said.
Witnesses told officers that Isnaini later moved deeper into the river while trying to catch more fish. He reportedly lost balance before powerful currents dragged him away through dense water hyacinths floating on the surface.
Joint rescue teams continued searching the river until Monday evening. Officers monitored several points along the Brantas River to locate the victim.
Didik explained that authorities recorded two separate river incidents on the same day during the flushing activity.
The first incident involved Yasmani, a resident of Satriyan village. Strong currents carried him away in the Tritih and Kedung Ketek areas after he became exhausted while fishing in the river.
Local residents managed to rescue Yasmani before the currents carried him farther downstream. Villagers later evacuated him safely and brought him home.
Meanwhile, another resident named Badi’ from Cimpling hamlet in Selopuro district also lost control in the river current. However, he survived after managing to save himself.
Blitar Disaster Mitigation Agency chief Wahyudi confirmed the incidents and immediately deployed several rescue teams to the area.
According to him, officers carried out search operations through riverbank patrols and direct monitoring near the location where Isnaini disappeared.
“We deployed three teams to search for the victim along the Brantas River,” Wahyudi said.
The operation involved disaster agency personnel, military officers, police members, Indonesian Red Cross volunteers, radio communication groups, and village officials.
Authorities urged residents to avoid activities near the river during the flushing process. Officials warned that river currents could change rapidly and become much stronger than normal conditions.
“We urge residents to prioritize personal and family safety instead of searching for fish during the flushing process,” Wahyudi said.
The disaster agency also warned residents about slippery riverbanks and possible landslides near the water flow. Officials said people could easily slip or get dragged into the river during sudden surges.
Parents also received warnings to keep children away from the Brantas River while flushing operations continue. Authorities fear sudden increases in water discharge could endanger children playing near the riverbanks.
“Supervision of children is very important because river currents can change quickly,” Wahyudi explained.
The flushing operation forms part of routine reservoir and river management activities. However, officials stressed that public safety must remain the top priority throughout the process.
Authorities now hope stronger public awareness can reduce accidents and prevent more casualties along the Brantas River during the ongoing flushing operation.