WEST BANK: Palestinian man is killed as heavy rains cause flooding across Israel and West Bank.

Record ID: 565149

  • Title: WEST BANK: Palestinian man is killed as heavy rains cause flooding across Israel and West Bank.
  • Date: 4th April 2006
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) WITNESS TO THE ACCIDENT, SAYING: "As soon as the driver got out of his car, the flood swept him 15 meters down the valley. His friend tried to drag him out but there was too much water and rain so the two froze (could not move). For more than 20 minutes, they could not move. After 20 minutes the flood took them away. That is what happened."
  • Embargoed: 19th April 2006 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Disasters / Accidents / Natural catastrophes
  • Reuters ID: LVA6P2WDVXAVLRQMBIRJR7G5M9DH
  • Story Text: Flooding caused by heavy rains washed across Israel and West Bank areas Sunday (April 2), causing a death, massive damage to roadways, and the flooded basins.
    A 26-year-old Palestinian man, near the West Bank village of Beilin, was found dead, after he was swept away by waters. "As soon as the driver got out of his car, the flood swept him 15 meters down the valley. His friend tried to drag him out but there was too much water and rain so the two froze (could not move). For more than 20 minutes, they could not move. After 20 minutes the flood took them away. That is what happened," said one eyewitness.
    The heavy rain started in the late hours of Saturday night (April 1) and continued throughout Sunday (April 2) morning.
    Just north of the Dead Sea, roads collapsed due to the water. Residents and those that work in the area frequented by tourists, rushed to safety. Even a few camels had to scurry to get out of harm's way.
    Dror Sinai, a commander for Israeli Rescue, said that the flooding is some of the worst he's seen in 20 years working in the area.
    "I think this is the first time in 20 years we've seen this kind of flood over here in the north of the Dead Sea. It's amazing. It's (flooded) through all the trail over here, the roads; a lot of damage for the agriculture - agriculture in our fields," Sinai said.
    In Bethlehem some streets were completely flooded, stopping traffic for hours.
    In northern Israel there were reports that some people were trapped in their homes because of the flood waters.
    A number of roads and highways, across Israel, had to be closed.
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