Authorities are searching for a 71-year-old woman who was last seen after falling into the Iao River by the Waiehu Bridge. Gary Kubota/The Maui News

Authorities are searching for a 71-year-old woman who was trying to gather water in the Iao River on Saturday when she fell into the fast-moving water and was swept away.

According to Maui police, the woman was known to frequent an encampment area near the Waiehu Bridge, and she was last seen near the encampment along the banks of the river.

The woman was trying to gather water with a basket when she fell into the river at about 11:40 a.m. Due to recent heavy rains, the river was flowing rapidly at the time. According to a witness, the woman became fully submerged and has not been seen since.

Fire and police personnel have conducted searches along the river and surrounding areas, but have not found the woman.

Several fire vehicles along with an ambulance and a vehicle with a U.S. Coast Guard representative examined the mouth of the stream and coastline. Rain fell continuously in the early afternoon and intensified close to 2:55 p.m., reducing visibility.

A U.S. Coast Guard official examines the area near the mouth of the Iao River after a report of a woman being swept away by the fast-moving water. Gary Kubota/The Maui News

Air and ocean search efforts have also been carried out, including the use of a helicopter and jet skis. Search efforts are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maui Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 244-6400 and refer to report number 26-007835.

The Maui Police Department and Maui Fire Department urge the public to exercise caution during periods of inclement weather.

Avoid entering or crossing rapidly moving water, flooded roadways and streams, as conditions can change quickly and become life-threatening. If possible, avoid unnecessary travel and heed all weather advisories and road closures.