Flash floods kill 5 in Ethiopian capital

Flash floods killed five people in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa in the last two days, emergency officials said Thursday.

Four people were swept away as they tried to cross a river in the southern suburbs of the city, Nigatu Mamu, spokesman for the city's fire and emergency division said.

Another woman was swept away after she slipped off a bridge and fell into a river near the Bole Jakros area, he added.

Seven others narrowly escaped death, officials said.

Two bodies have been recovered, while a father and son are missing.

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in the city since last May, claiming lives and destroying property.