KILL 11, TOURISTS FLEE

while one was killed near Maan in the south.

Government spokeswoman Jumana Ghneimat said the highway was cut in both directions.

The Jordanian army deployed helicopters and all- terrain vehicles to help with the search and rescue operation.

A rescuer was also among the dead, the civil defence spokesman said.

State television said the waters had reached as high as four metres ( 13 feet) in parts of the red- rock ravine city of Petra and the adjacent Wadi Musa desert.

It broadcast footage of tourists sheltering on high ground on both sides of the access road to Jordan’s biggest attraction.