Johannesburg floods: Desperate search for survivors as 14 dead in deadly flood

The body of water had a wave over two feet high and swept away more than 33 terrified worshipers who were attending a purification service on the Jukskei river in Johannesburg, South Africa

Rescuers recover bodies from the Jukskei River in Johannesburg where 14 worshipers at a church ritual cleansing service were dragged to death (

Image: Facebook: Medi response)

Fourteen members of a religious congregation drowned after a deadly flash flood hit them while they were performing a ritual.

The body of water caused a wave over two feet high and swept away more than 33 terrified worshipers, who were attending a purification service on the Jukskei River in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Most stood on rocks or in ankle-deep water in the dirty river near a township.

A pastor who survived the flood was performing a religious service to purify his flock.

The religious group at a church in Alexandra Township was taken by surprise and washed to death following heavy rains upstream, caused by the relentless torrent.

The tragedy occurred on Saturday, in the debris-strewn river which saw a number of the group manage to scramble to higher ground.

But those unlucky enough to be caught by the swift current were swept away.

Rescuers carry the body of a flood victim that was recovered from the Jukskei River (

Picture:

Uncredited/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Over the weekend, rescue efforts were maintained and will continue this morning.

Two members of the congregation who are still missing by their families.

An eyewitness told local media: "The river was as usual, then suddenly there was a very loud noise upstream and this wave of water half a meter high comes to fall on us a...