Flash flood kills nine worshipers and eight missing after religious rituals near river

Rescue workers search the waters of the Jukskei River in Johannesburg, South Africa, after a number of people were swept away by the flood devastating

Rescuers search the waters of the Jukskei River in Johannesburg after a number of people were swept away by flooding (

Image: uncredited/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

At least nine people have died and eight others are missing after a flash flood swept away members of a religious congregation, relief officials said.

The devastating floods occurred along the Jukskei River in Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday with the dead and missing all part of the same congregation.

They were conducting religious rituals along the shallow river back then, that's understood.

Rescuers reported finding the bodies of two victims that day and seven more when the search and recovery mission resumed this morning.

Teams interviewed members of the congregation to determine the number of other missing persons.

At least nine people have died while eight others are still missing (

Picture:

Uncredited/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

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

Local reports indicate that around 33 devotees participated in the rituals on the banks of the river.

Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said authorities had warned residents of the dangers of conducting the rituals along the river.