Flood
Representative Image UNSPLASH

At least 14 people died and several went missing after a flash flood swept away a church congregation along the Jukskei River in Johannesburg, rescue officials said.

A group of 33 worshippers was impacted by the flood as they participated in a congregation that was conducting religious rituals along the river Saturday, AFP reported.

While an earlier toll said nine died in the flooding, the number rose to 14 after the discovery of five more bodies, Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said.

"Two people were swept away and confirmed dead" at the scene, while 12 bodies were recovered from the flooding, Mulaudzi confirmed.

The pastor who was conducting the rituals, including baptisms, also survived the incident after grabbing onto an overhanging branch. Many others were rescued after they were swept over 300 feet downstream.

Robert Mulaudzi told TimesLIVEthat officials were continuing to search for the missing people. One person was rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment while the search for the one missing person was called off on Sunday evening due to lack of visibility. The search had initially started along the river banks of Corlett Drive but ended Sunday night near Rivonia Road. Rescue teams were interviewing people from the congregation to confirm the total number of people unaccounted for.

Taking to Twitter, Mulaudzi said those who were rescued were taken to the nearest healthcare facility for treatment.

Mulaudzi added that local residents were warned by officials about the dangers of conducting religious rituals around the river, according to ABC News.

"We have been receiving 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 congregants who normally practice these kinds of rituals, will be tempted to go to these river streams," Mulaudzi said during a news briefing. "Our message for them is to exercise caution as and when they conduct these rituals."

The Jukskei river, which goes along townships like Alexandra in the east of Johannesburg, may not be very deep, but it is known for causing floods. Religious groups often gather along the river for baptisms and ritual cleansing.