Eight people are dead and five more are missing after flash floods swept away two vehicles carrying women and children Monday in Hildale, Utah, The Associated Press reports.

Three people survived as the vehicles were swept several hundred yards downstream catching the victims off guard, said Hildale assistant fire chief Kevin Barlow. The rescue effort was ongoing throughout the night but scaled back because of treacherous conditions.

According to the report, floods came after heavy rains fell in the canyons just north of town. The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning earlier in the day.

“We’re pretty used to flash flooding, but this is significantly more than what we’re used to,” Barlow says.

Barlow said he doesn’t know if residents were aware of the warning. Hildale is known as the home base for polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs and headquarters of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

According to The Associated Press, members of the sect are believed to be discouraged from watching TV, using the Internet or having much contact with the outside world.

Source: The Associated Press