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(DEAD SEA) – Sudden floods caused by heavy rains on Thursday swept students and teachers to the hot springs near the Dead Sea, killing 18 people and injuring 35 others when the torrent hit several kilometers. declared a civil defense official.
Thirteen people escaped without being injured, Brig said. General Farid al-Sharaa, speaking after dark, as large floodlights illuminated the flooded area. Some survived by hanging on rocks, he said.
A spectacular rescue operation involving helicopters and divers continued into the night. The Israeli army said it sent a search and rescue team at the request of the Jordanian government.
Al-Sharaa said 37 college students, seven teachers and other visitors were at the hot springs near the Dead Sea on Thursday afternoon, having lunch, after being taken by surprise by the floods.
"He swept the students 4 to 5 kilometers," some up to the Dead Sea, he said. The spokesman said the students came from a college.
The lower Dead Sea area, which is part of the Jordan Valley, is prone to sudden flooding when rain water falls from adjacent hills. In April, 10 Israeli students were killed after being surprised by a sudden flood during a hike near the Dead Sea.
Prime Minister Omar Razzaz rushed to the scene and visited the wounded at the hospital.
As the death toll continued to rise, Jordanian King Abdullah II announced that he was canceling a visit to Bahrain scheduled for Friday.
