In Petra, Jordan, nearly 1,800 tourists evacuated after floods

Nearly 1,800 tourists had to be evacuated on Sunday, May 4, from the ancient site of Petra, in the south of the country, after sudden floods hit the region, a local official on state television announced. No victim has been reported, Yazan Mohadin told the Al-Mamlaka channel, adding that “Floods [avaient touché] The archaeological site this afternoon “. “The total number of tourists who visited the site today amounts to 1,785, and the majority of them have been evacuated by the Civil Defense teams”he said.

The official added that the authorities had suspended the sale of tickets in the afternoon for safety.

The Jordanian meteorological authority broadcast a video showing floods falling on the ancient site while visitors gathered at the entrance to the Khazneh, one of the most emblematic buildings in Petra, pending their evacuation.

Similar evacuations have already taken place in the past, the region being more and more prone to intense rains and storms.

Classified as a UNESCO world Heritage Site, Petra is famous for its monumental temples cut in La Roche Rose. It was designated in 2007 as one of the seven new wonders of the world after an online vote.