Flash Flood Kills Nine At Johannesburg Church Ritual

Emergency services in South Africa said on Sunday that flash flooding that followed heavy rains has killed at least nine people taking part in religious rituals in Johannesburg, with six others still missing.

A group of 33 worshippers had joined church rituals on the banks of the Jukskei river in Johannesburg when the flooding struck on Saturday, according to Robert Mulaudzi, spokesman for the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services.

Rescue workers and firefighters are still searching for six missing people with emergency services indicating chances of finding them alive were fading.

Rescue workers reported finding the bodies of two victims that day and another seven bodies when the search and recovery mission resumed Sunday morning.

Religious groups frequently gather along the Jukskei River, which runs past townships such as Alexandra in the east of Johannesburg, for baptisms and ritual cleansing.