Flash floods after heavy rains killed at least 14 people in a river in South Africa. A group of 33 worshipers were participating in religious rituals on the Jukskei River in the greater Johannesburg area yesterday when the river suddenly burst its banks, said Robert Mulaudzi, spokesman for the emergency services.
Rescue teams had already reported nine dead, today five more bodies were found. According to the spokesman, rescue teams and firefighters continued to search for missing persons. It is unclear how many people are still missing. Hopes of finding survivors are fading, added Mulaudzi.
“When the storm started, many stayed on the riverbed and performed rituals, baptisms” or purification rituals, Mulaudzi reported. “They were swept away by the current.” The pastor involved survived. Flash floods are common in this part of Johannesburg. In the summer season, there are heavy thunderstorms almost every night.