Death toll in Jordan flash flood rises to 20, mostly children

DEAD SEA, Jordan — The death toll from flash floods near Jordan’s shore of the Dead Sea rose to 20 on Friday, in what Civil Defense officials said was one of the deadliest incidents in the kingdom involving schoolchildren.

The body of a 12-yearold girl was found early on Friday after the extensive search for survivors resumed, officials said.

Thirteen of the dead and 26 of about the three dozen people injured were middle school children, officials said.

The incident began Thursday afternoon when 37 students, along with seven adult chaperones, as well as other visitors were taking a break at hot springs several miles from the Dead Sea. Sudden heavy rains sent flash floods surging from higher ground, sweeping them away, some as far as the Dead Sea, officials said.