At least nine people have died and eight others are missing after flash floods swept away members of a church congregation in South Africa. Flooding hit Johannesburg yesterday along the Jukskei River.
According to authorities, the devotees performed religious rituals along the river, which appeared to be at its normal flow rate when the activities began.
Rescuers reported finding the bodies of two victims and the other seven bodies yesterday when the search resumed Sunday morning.
Teams interviewed people in the congregation to determine how many worshipers were still missing.
Religious groups often gather for baptisms and purification rituals along the Jukskei River, which flows through townships like Alexandra east of Johannesburg.
According to British newspaper The Mirror, Johannesburg authorities said about 33 believers took part in the rituals on the banks of the river.
Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said authorities had warned residents of the dangers of performing rituals along the river.
“In the last three months it has rained heavily in the city of Johannesburg and most of the creeks are full. Our residents, especially the faithful who usually practice these types of rituals, will be tempted to go to these streams,” Mulaudzi said in an interview. “Our message to them is to be careful when performing these rituals.”