Petra Evacuated as Flash Floods Hit Southern Jordan
Jordanian authorities evacuated hundreds of tourists from the ancient city of Petra on Sunday after flash floods surged through the archaeological site during a period of severe weather. Rescue teams responded quickly, and no injuries were reported, according to Yazan Mahadin, commissioner for the Petra Archaeological Park and Tourism.
Access to Petra was temporarily suspended, and ticket sales were halted as a safety measure. Earlier in the day, 1,785 tourists had entered the UNESCO World Heritage site before authorities decided to shut it down. “Tourists were assisted by rescue teams,” Mahadin told the state-run Petra news agency.
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State broadcaster Jordan TV aired footage of floodwaters coursing through valleys and low-lying areas in several parts of the country. The flash flooding was blamed on a weather system that brought heavy rains, strong winds, and falling temperatures to the region.
The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority issued warnings urging residents and visitors to stay away from flood-prone zones, secure loose property, and follow all safety directives.
Petra, carved into rose-colored rock cliffs and known for its ancient Nabatean architecture, draws hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. It is a cornerstone of Jordan’s tourism industry, which has been steadily recovering from pandemic-era downturns.
Jordan has faced similar weather-related emergencies in past years. In 2018, flash floods in the area led to the deaths of several schoolchildren and tourists, prompting authorities to upgrade safety measures at major tourist attractions.
