A village headman in Thyolo district, Mpaso, has confirmed the tragic death of four children who drowned in a flooded Chimvu river.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon as the children, all aged five, were returning from school and attempted to cross the river.

According to Mpaso, one of the children stayed back and later reported the incident to the authorities.

Community members have already recovered clothes belonging to two of the children, which have been identified by their parents.

A search and rescue operation is currently underway, and the case has been reported to the Nansadi police unit in the district.