At least 18 people have been killed in flash floods near the Dead Sea in Jordan, most of them in a bus that was swept away.
The bus was carrying 37 pupils and seven members of staff to the Zara Mae-en hot springs area when it was washed away. A huge rescue operation has been launched and Israel says it has sent helicopters at Jordan’s request.
So far 34 people have been rescued from the area. Some of them are said to be in a serious condition. The dead and injured also included members of families picnicking at the popular tourist.
Details of the victims have not been released although an education ministry official said the students were from a private school. The official, who was not named, expressed surprise that a school trip had been organised despite weather warnings.
