Dozens saved as torrential rains flood country
First snow of season falls on Mt. Hermon
Rescue teams came to the aid of dozens of people as heavy rain caused flooding and power outages nationwide over the weekend, an MDA spokesperson said. No injuries were reported.
Snow also fell on Mount Hermon on Saturday morning for the first time this season.
An elderly couple trapped in their home by rising flood waters were rescued by emergency services, the Israel Fire and Rescue Services said and flooding also caused a couple and their baby to be trapped in their car on a car- elevator in Tel Aviv before they were rescued safely, according to Israel Hayom.
Some 20 more people, including elderly residents, were also rescued from a number of buildings on Ha’atzma’ut Street in Ness Ziona on Saturday after water engulfed homes and parked cars, according to Ynet News.
In Haifa on Saturday afternoon, a large number of rescue workers worked to free people in Kiryat Eliezer, Bat Galim and Ein Hayam where flooding occurred and several streets were blocked.
Three people were evacuated from a flooded apartment in Tel Aviv and MDA teams rescued four people from flooded cars in three separate incidents in the center of the country.
Many basements were flooded in Rishon Lezion and MDA teams were called to rescue two men and two women in three separate incidents.
Police diverted traffic in Tel Aviv as roads became impassable Saturday, according to Ynet.
Because of the expected rains, on Friday, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority said that many hiking trails would be closed because of fears of deadly flash floods.