At least nine members of a Church congregation in Johannesburg, South Africa, died when a flash flood swept them away during a religious service along a river on Saturday, according to officials. 

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 retrieved from the Jukskei river in Johannesburg, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. 
(Associated Press)

Churches and religious organizations frequently use the Jukskei River, which runs in eastern Johannesburg, for baptisms and other services. 

HEAVY RAIN IN BALKANS CAUSES FLOODING, KILLING SIX

“We have been receiving a lot of rain on the city of Johannesburg in the last three months, and most of the river streams are now full. Our residents, especially congregants who normally practice these kinds of rituals, will be tempted to go to these river streams,” Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said during a press conference on Sunday. 

“Our message for them is to exercise caution as and when they conduct these rituals.” 

A rescue worker stands next to a body retrieved from the Jukskei river in Johannesburg, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. 

A rescue worker stands next to a body retrieved from the Jukskei river in Johannesburg, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. 
(Associated Press)

Rescue workers search the waters of the Jukskei river in Johannesburg, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. 

Rescue workers search the waters of the Jukskei river in Johannesburg, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. 
(Associated Press)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The City of Johannesburg EMS had launched a “Flood Awareness campaign” on Nov. 21 to “increase awareness of flood risks in the area and provide information and advice to help residents protect their homes.” 

It wasn’t immediately clear if more members of the congregation were missing on Sunday evening. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Source link

You May Also Like

Video: Roraima in Search of Safe and Sustainable Energy Autonomy

by Mario Osava (boa vista, brazil) Monday, February 06, 2023 Inter Press Service…

The Fight is Not Over: Invest in Courageous, Progressive Journalism

The struggle for democracy persists as we come into the second half…

North Korea Claims New Submarine Can Launch Nuclear Weapons

North Korea Claims New Submarine Can Launch Nuclear Weapons | Time Connect…

Turkey and Syria earthquake death toll crosses 20,000-mark

Turkey and Syria earthquake death toll crosses 20,000-mark – CBS News Watch…