3 still missing after flood
2009-02-27 09:09
Johannesburg - The search continues for three people, including a 20-day-old baby, who are missing following flash floods in Soweto, Johannesburg Emergency Services said on Friday.
"We are still searching for the baby, a taxi driver, and a cyclist who were swept away during the floods on Thursday," said spokesperson Percy Morokane.
On Thursday two girls, aged six and 15 died in during the floods.
The six-year-old was a passenger in one of two vehicles, along with a bus, which were trapped on Ncube Drive, by flood waters.
The body of the 15-year-old girl was found in Zone 10, Meadowlands.
Morokane said the missing baby was aboard the bus that was also trapped on Ncube Drive and the cyclist was from Mofolo South.
"I'm not sure about the taxi driver. We stopped the search at 01:00 this morning, and resumed it again at 07:30."
40 injured
Forty people were also injured when they tried to jump off the bus in a panic. They were taken to hospital.
At least five areas in Soweto were flooded after heavy rains. They were Mofolo, Dobsonville, Dube, Orlando and Meadowlands.
A joint operational centre was established at the Jabulani fire station and was being manned by Johannesburg emergency services, police and volunteers from the 4-by-4 club.
The search-and-rescue operation was being conducted by emergency workers and two police helicopters.
"This was one of the worst thunderstorms in a few years. Sowetans have not seen something like this in a while," Morokane said.
"We are committing all available resources to the new disaster in Soweto. We would like the full co-operation of all Sowetans in this time of dilemma."
- SAPA