At least nine members of a Church congregation in Johannesburg, South Africa, died when a flash flood swept them away during a church service along a river on Saturday, according to authorities.
The remains of two victims were found on Saturday, while seven others were located during a search and recovery mission on Sunday.
Rescuers carry the body of a flood victim that was recovered from the Jukskei River in Johannesburg, Sunday, December 4, 2022.
(Associated Press)
Churches and religious organizations frequently use the Jukskei River, which runs through eastern Johannesburg, for baptisms and other services.
HEAVY RAIN IN THE BALKANS CAUSES FLOODS AND SIX DEATHS
“We have been getting a lot of rain in the city of Johannesburg in the last three months, and most of the river streams are now full. Our residents, especially the parishioners who normally practice these types of rituals, will be tempted to go to these places”. rivers,” Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said during a news conference on Sunday.
“Our message to them is to be careful when performing these rituals.”
A rescuer stands next to a body recovered from the Jukskei River in Johannesburg, Sunday, December 4, 2022.
(Associated Press)
Rescuers search the waters of the Jukskei River in Johannesburg, Sunday, December 4, 2022.
(Associated Press)
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The City of Johannesburg EMS had launched a “flood awareness campaign” on November 21 to “raise awareness of flood risks in the area and provide information and advice to help residents protect their homes.”
It was not immediately clear if any more members of the congregation were missing Sunday evening.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
