AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — On Monday, search and rescue teams recovered the bodies of a Belgian mother and her son in Jordan, following a tragic incident where they, along with three children, were reported missing due to flash flooding. The incident occurred just a day after the mother and her children went missing during a sudden flood event in southern Jordan.
The flash floods, which struck the region on Sunday, resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of tourists from the iconic Petra archaeological site, which serves as Jordan’s main tourist attraction. As the swift currents created dangerous conditions, rescue efforts were rapidly initiated to locate the missing individuals.
The Belgian family was part of a larger group of 18 tourists engaged in an adventure trip in Wadi al-Nakhil when they encountered the extreme weather conditions. According to Ma'an district local governor, Hassan al-Jabour, the group faced a life-threatening situation as the floodwaters surged unexpectedly. Fourteen Czech tourists were successfully rescued on the same day, while rescue crews managed to locate two of the children alive late Sunday evening.
Despite the intensive search efforts, the rescue operation was temporarily suspended around 2 a.m. due to adverse weather conditions and the challenging terrain. However, search teams resumed their activities early Monday morning, ultimately discovering the bodies of the mother and her son.
At present, authorities have not released further details regarding the family or the specific ages of the children involved in the incident. The news of the mother and son’s recovery has cast a shadow over the rescue operations, highlighting the tragic consequences of the flash flooding that can occur in this arid region.
Jordan is known for its vulnerability to flash flooding, especially during the heavy seasonal rains that can transform the typically dry desert landscapes into torrents of water rushing through valleys. This phenomenon has resulted in tragic outcomes in the past, including incidents in 2021 when flash floods claimed the lives of at least three individuals whose vehicle was swept away. Similar catastrophic flood events in 2018 resulted in more than 30 fatalities related to flooding in both Petra and the Dead Sea coast, underscoring the dangers associated with sudden weather changes in the region.
In light of these events, there is an urgent need for heightened awareness regarding the risks of flash flooding, especially for tourists who may be exploring remote areas. The local authorities and tour operators are likely to implement more rigorous safety measures to protect both residents and visitors in the future.
