Overview

• Heavy rains on May 4 triggered flash floods in southern Jordan, affecting Wadi al-Nakhil and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra.
• A Belgian family of four was swept up in the floodwaters; the mother and her son were found dead on May 5, while two children survived.
• The group of 18 tourists, including 14 Czech nationals, faced dangerous conditions, with all but the two fatalities rescued safely.
• Authorities evacuated nearly 1,700 tourists from Petra, where no injuries were reported, and suspended ticket sales to ensure safety.
• Jordan's history of deadly flash floods, including major incidents in 2018 and 2021, highlights ongoing challenges in mitigating risks during seasonal rains.