More details have emerged about a vehicle that was washed away by flood waters near Rakiraki village.

Four men were inside the vehicle which ended up stuck on a tree partially submerged under flood waters.

People from Rakiraki village tried to help the men get to safety – however the currents were too strong.

One eye-witness Sakiusa Kaitani describes how four men emerged from the stricken car and climbed the tree to get out of the flood waters.

Kaitani says the villagers tried to throw a rope across to the stranded men, but this was unsuccessful.

He says the men eventually jumped into the flood waters and tried to swim to safety and this was the last that they were seen by the villagers.

Kaitani told FBC News they don’t know what happened to these four men because they swam out of sight.

The villagers were powerless to do anymore because of dangerous currents and the advice from authorities to limit movement.

Police have received reports that a vehicle was swept away in Rakiraki but no confirmation is possible due to weather conditions.