Kadumises

Kadumises is the Estonian word for disappearance. It describes the situation in which a person is not reachable and their whereabouts are unknown, with authorities treating the case as open until the person is found or the investigation is resolved. The term is used in legal, media, and public-safety contexts.

In Estonia, a disappearance is typically reported to the police. If there is a risk to the missing person, authorities may launch urgent search operations and coordinate with police, the rescue services, border guards, and, when appropriate, volunteers. Investigations often combine interviewing relatives, reviewing surveillance footage, examining known locations, and public appeals for information. Public notices, social media appeals, and media broadcasts are common tools to widen the search.

Causes vary and include voluntary absences, accidents, or foul play, with different risk levels assigned, especially for children, elderly, or vulnerable individuals. Response protocols prioritize higher-risk cases and aim to locate the person quickly and safely.

Beyond the police, families and communities may rely on support services and non-governmental organizations for information, counseling, and practical assistance during a disappearance. Estonia maintains public databases and reporting channels to assist search efforts and coordinate information sharing.