Jordan evacuates some 1,800 tourists from Petra after flooding hits
Video shows travelers gathering at iconic tomb amid flash floods in desert, as similar rainstorms in southern Israel force road closures; no casualties reported
Jordanian authorities on Sunday evacuated nearly 1,800 tourists from the ancient city of Petra after the area was hit by flooding, an official told state television.
“Rescue teams … evacuated hundreds of tourists from Petra after flash floods hit the archaeological site,” Al-Mamlaka TV quoted local official Yazan Mohadin as saying.
“The number of tourists who visited the site today recorded 1,785, and civil defense teams evacuated the majority of them,” he said, adding that no casualties were recorded.
Jordan’s meteorological authority published a video showing flash floods hitting the ancient city.
It showed tourists gathering at the entrance of the Treasury, one of the site’s most iconic tombs, before being evacuated.
Similar evacuations have occurred in the past, as the area witnesses increasing rains and storms.
Petra floods force evacuation of hundreds of tourists pic.twitter.com/jyRsvUZ9SN
— Roya News English (@RoyaNewsEnglish) May 4, 2025
Petra, famous for its stunning temples hewn from rose-pink cliff faces, is a UN World Heritage site. It was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a 2007 online poll.
Heavy rainstorms hit southern Israel on Sunday, causing similar flooding and leading to closures on several major roads and calls by police to avoid affected areas.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.