Sudden Floods in Jordan: A School Bus Worn Near the Dead Sea

At least 17 people were killed in flash floods near the Dead Sea in Jordan, most of them in a bus that was washed away.

The bus was carrying 37 students and seven staff members to Zara Maeen's hot spring area when it was carried away, officials said.

A huge rescue operation was launched and Israel said it had sent helicopters at the request of Jordan.

So far, 34 people have been rescued from the area, reported Reuters.

Some of them would be in serious condition.

The dead and injured also included family members picnicking at the popular tourist spot.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on the planet and popular with visitors. But its arid conditions and deep canyons make it vulnerable to flash floods.

Israeli help

The Israeli army said that following a request from the Jordanian government, it had sent a number of helicopters with soldiers from a search and rescue unit. rescue of the elite.

Troops helped find missing people despite adverse weather, according to a statement.

The details of the victims were not revealed, although a Ministry of Education official said students came from a private school, the Jordan Times reported.

The manager, who was not appointed, is surprised that the school trip was organized despite the weather warnings.

Heavy rains have swept the area for several days. Some streets in the Jordanian capital, Amman, were flooded, resulting in traffic jams, while major hail storms were reported elsewhere.

The Thursday incident is the second tragedy resulting from sudden floods near the Dead Sea this year.

In April, nine adolescent hikers were swept and killed in Nahal Tzafit, in southern Israel. 15 others were saved.