At least nine people were killed and eight missing when flash flood waters swept away church congregation members in South Africa. Flooding occurred yesterday along the Jukskei River in Johannesburg.
According to rescue officials, believers were holding religious rites along the river, which had a normal volume of water by all indications when activities began.
Rescuers reported yesterday that they found the bodies of two victims and seven others when the search mission resumed this morning.
Teams were interviewing people in the congregation to determine how many were still missing.
Religious groups often gather along the Jukskei River, which runs through towns east of Johannesburg like Alexandra, for baptism and purification rituals.
According to the news of the British newspaper The Mirror, Johannesburg officials say that about 33 believers attended the rituals on the riverbank.
Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said authorities had warned residents of the dangers of performing rituals on the riverbank.
“It has been raining heavily in the city of Johannesburg for the past three months and most of the creeks are full. Our residents, especially worshipers who normally practice such rituals, will want to go to such places.” flows,” Mulaudzi said at a press conference. Our message to them is to be mindful when performing these rituals.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.