Israel – More Flash Floods After Almost 100mm of Rain in 24 Hours

A second severe storm in 4 days brought more heavy rain and flash flooding to parts of northern Israel.

Dozens ofpeople have been rescued from floods in Israel over the last few days. Photo: Israel Fire and Rescue Services

Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) said that 93mm of rain fell in 24 hours to 08 January in Mizpe Harashim and 97mm in Haifa during the same period.

One of the worst hit areas was the northern city of Nahariya. Israel Fire and Rescue Services reported that 1 person died in floodwaters as he tried to rescue the passengers trapped in their car. Emergency services rescued people from flooded homes and trapped vehicles. Over 100 children and staff were evacuated from a flooded school in the city.

Police and emergency services have also carried out rescues in Rosh HaAyin, Haifa, Krayot and Nesher. Police have closed several roads in affected areas. Further heavy rain is expected. Local media report flooding concerns in the coastal cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod in Southern District.

At least 4 people died as a result of flooding brought by an earlier storm on 04 to 05 January 2020.

Following a period of wet weather, several areas of the country saw more than 450mm of rain between 01 and 08 January, including Har Kenaan with 474mm, Haifa with 465mm and Mizpe Harashim with 550mm. The Times of Israel reports that Sea of Galilee has risen by 23 cm over the last 24 hours.