Heavy Rains Cause Significant Flooding in Southern Israel, Major Roads Closed
Southern Israel: Heavy rainfall has lashed parts of southern Israel, leading to widespread flooding and the closure of several major transportation routes.
Police confirmed the closure of key highways, including Route 40 from Mitzpe Ramon to Ketura Junction, and Route 90 from Ein Gedi to Ha'arava Junction and south towards Eilat. Additionally, exits from Eilat along Routes 90 and 12 were also shut down. Route 204 at Halukim Junction, heading towards Mitzpe Ramon, was also closed to traffic.
The Israel Meteorological Service reported unusually high levels of rainfall for the region, with Kibbutz Samar recording 34 millimeters (1.3 inches) and Kibbutz Yotvata receiving 17 millimeters (0.7 inches) by late afternoon on Sunday. According to local news outlets, these amounts are typically seen over an entire year in these desert communities. The southern city of Dimona also experienced heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail, further exacerbating the hazardous conditions.
Police issued urgent warnings to the public, urging them to avoid flooded areas and to cancel any non-essential travel to potentially affected zones. They emphasized that approaching or attempting to cross flooded roads, streams, or cisterns is life-threatening and strictly prohibited. Travelers and hikers were advised to consult reliable sources for the latest updates before embarking on any journeys.
The public was directed to utilize the police hotline (101) or the police chatbot for real-time information and to call the emergency hotline (100) in situations requiring immediate police assistance.
The severe weather conditions and resulting floods have caused significant travel disruptions across southern Israel, impacting both residents and those attempting to enter or leave the popular tourist destination of Eilat.
No comments:
Post a Comment