An eight-year-old girl tragically lost her life after attempting to cross a flooding Mandeni River early this morning.

Her body was recovered by search-and-rescue teams this afternoon, about a kilometre downstream from the crossing point.

Rescuers are still searching for a 37-year-old man who attempted to make the crossing with the child.

“Information received so far indicates that three people were attempting to cross the river near Mandeni when two of the three were swept away,” says IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Kelsey-Jae Meyrick.

The river is a tributary of the Tugela River, which has seen high water levels and flood conditions after heavy storms in Ladysmith.

A four-man team from IPSS Search and Rescue joined search-and-rescue teams from Umhlali Saps K9 Unit, Sundimbili SAPS and Empangeni SAPS.

The rescuers have been searching since mid-morning and will continue to look for the missing man as long as conditions permit.

“The Tugela River and tributaries are currently full and fast-flowing which makes search efforts difficult,” adds Meyrick.

“We urge people to avoid crossing low-laying bridges during this time.”