At least eight people drowned while swimming in an Arizona river when they became overwhelmed by flash flooding following heavy rains in the drought-stricken region, officials said on Sunday.

Authorities were searching for at least one other missing person after the incident on Saturday afternoon in the Verde River near Payson, about 145 km northeast of Phoenix, Water Wheel Fire and Medical District Fire Chief Ron Sattelmaier said.

Local media reported at least two children were among the dead. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office did not give details of the deceased or those missing.

Source: Fana News