WATCH: Dog unit activated in search for missing Umlazi girl
It has been over three hours since a 9-year-old girl was swept down an Umlazi river, south of Durban -- and community members remain hopeful that she will be found alive.
Efforts to find her have continued into the afternoon.
A surface search is the next plan of action after the dive proved fruitless.
The SAPS Search and Rescue Unit members are now waiting for an inflatable kayak that they will use to sweep the surface of the river, with the help of a search and rescue dog.
#UmlaziSearch Umhlali search and Rescue have also arrived with police dog, Ghost who will assist in finding the girl @ECR_Newswatch. pic.twitter.com/7Fvs5u8KG3
— Nushera Raisa (@nushera) February 15, 2019
A helicopter is also conducting an aerial search.
#UmlaziSearch Chopper has been flying around the Umlazi River in search of the little girl @ECR_Newswatch pic.twitter.com/Vb6RmXZ1T5
— Nushera Raisa (@nushera) February 15, 2019
Meanwhile, community members have come out in their numbers to watch as emergency services search for the little girl. Dozens of people have lined a narrow road leading to the river.
#UmlaziSearch Community members have come out in there numbers as the search continues @ECR_Newswatch Members of the fire department, @SAPoliceService search and rescue and metro are here. pic.twitter.com/rp6Vbgxgfb
— Nushera Raisa (@nushera) February 15, 2019
