Man swept away in swollen river

Dunedin police are searching a stream along the city's Flagstaff-Whare Flat Road for a tramper swept away this morning.

Sergeant Dave Scott said the stream, about 15 minutes from Dunedin, was until yesterday "nothing". However, heavy rain had turned it into a "raging torrent".

The Dunedin man was with a tramping group when the incident happened about 7.30am. His companions had to get to an area with cellphone coverage before being able to call for help.

Search and rescue personnel were searching on foot, and a helicopter from the air, Mr Scott said.

- NZPA