Israel and Jordan – Evacuations and Rescues After Heavy Rain Triggers Flooding

by in Asia, News

Heavy rain in Israel and Jordan has caused flooding in areas around the cities of Jerusalem and Amman. Both cities recorded over one month’s worth of rain in 24 hours.

Israel

Flooding caused by heavy rain from late Wednesday 27 February led to numerous rescues and traffic disruptions in areas around Jerusalem. Strong winds also caused some damage.

Times of Israel said that around 136mm of rainfall hit Jerusalem on 28 February, equal to one-quarter of the city’s annual average rainfall. According to WMO, the Mean Total Rainfall for February in Jerusalem is 131.2mm.

The heavy rain led to flooding and multiple dramatic rescues throughout the capital. Around 1,200 were evacuated after their school in Ein Kerem neighbourhood was cut off by flooding.

Social Media showed videos of the dramatic rescue of a man clinging to the roof of his car that was immersed in flood waters in the north of Jerusalem.

Jordan

The heavy rain also affected parts of Jordan, causing flooding and buildings to collapse. The government declared a “level 4” weather alert. Schools and government offices were closed.

According to WMO figures, Amman recorded 68 mm of rain in 24 hours to 01 March. Mean Total Rainfall for February is 61.7 mm.

Local media said Jordan civil defence rescued 4 people were from flooding in Ain al Basha, north of Amman. Collapsed buildings were reported in Amman, Russeifa and Irbid. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

People living near the Waleh Dam in central Jordan were told to evacuate as levels of the reservoir rose above capacity.

Flash floods in the country left 21 people dead during October last year and a further 12 in November.

Social Media