Teenage hikers swept away in flash floods

Nine teenagers have died in flash floods in Israel while hiking south of the Dead Sea.

The Israeli rescue service said they were all 18 years old. Local media said that eight of those killed were women and another hiker is still missing.

Earlier, spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said 25 students in a pre-army course were “caught off guard” and some were “washed away” yesterday by heavy rains.

The Dead Sea, the world’s lowest point at about 1,400 feet below sea level, is surrounded by desert and generally arid cliffs. Rain can come rushing down the steep descents, causing sudden and violent torrents in otherwise dry spots.