Flood: Israel sends rescue helicopters to Jordan

Israel sent search-and-rescue helicopters to assist Jordan on Thursday following a flash flood in which at least 10 school children were killed and 16 reported missing, an Israeli military statement said.

It said the Israeli team, dispatched at Amman’s request, was operating on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea, where a bus carrying 37 children and seven teachers were swept into a valley by rain-stoked floodwaters earlier on Thursday.

Jordan dispatched helicopters to search for 44 students and teachers, who were swept away by floods from heavy rain in the Dead Sea area.

The Jordanian Civil Defence said that floods swept away a school trip, which resulted in the deaths of children and the loss of dozens.
The Civil Defense confirmed the rescue of 10 students stormed by rainwater in the Zara area near the Dead Sea.

The Jordanian Prime Minister, Omar al-Razaz is following on the situation and discussed in a telephone call the rescue operation with the Director-General of the Jordanian Civil Defence.
The premier also telephoned the Minister of Interior and Municipalities and minister of Public Works and Housing and discussed means on how to deal with the incident with maximum attention and speed.

The premier added that necessary mechanisms and manpower should be provided for the safety of students, teachers and citizens in the region.

Razaz directed all civilian and military bodies to move immediately to the site and continue rescue efforts.
The major rescue operation have rescued people some of whom are in a serious condition.