Jordan relocates numerous vacationers due to flooding incidents in Petra region.
Petra's Flash Flood Evacuation: A Recap
In the heart of Jordan, the heritage site of Petra got hit by a torrential downpour, causing flash flooding in 2025. The Civil Defense and PDTRA teams sprang into action, evacuating an estimated 1,800 tourists from the popular tourist destination[1].
A vivid picture of the chaos unfolded as cascades of water swamped valleys and low-lying areas, turning tourist zones like Al Khazna (The Treasury), the Siq gorge, the Monastery, and the terraces of Prophet Aaron into perilous terrains[1]. Yazan Mahadin—Commissioner at the Department of Protected Areas and Tourism at the Petra Regional Development and Tourism Authority (PDTRA)—made the emergency announcement to state television Al Mamlaka, adding that ticket sales for the archaeological site were halted in the early afternoon as a preventive measure[1][2].
Mahadin further reported no injuries among the evacuees, but the region was battered by strong winds, a substantial drop in temperatures, and heavy rainfall, which could be attributed to an atmospheric depression[1]. PDTRA took the initiative to implore the public to steer clear of risk zones and adhere to the orders of the authorities[1].
It's not the first time that Petra has faced such crisis. Similar incidents happened in the past, with over 1,700 tourists evacuated in 2022, and 12 unfortunate lives claimed by sudden floods in various regions of the country in 2018, including Petra[1][4]. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra is an ancient rock-carved city dating back to the 5th century BC and is one of Jordan's defining tourist hotspots[3].
Sadly, coinciding with the Petra incident, reports cropped up of tourists getting robbed in Spain, with a gold chain worth 7,000 Euros being pilfered[6].
Further Reading:- Tourists Robbed in Spain, Gold Chain Worth 7,000 Euros Stolen
[1] Commissioner Yazan Mahadin, Department of Protected Areas and Tourism at the Petra Regional Development and Tourism Authority (PDTRA).[2] Petra News, "Petra Evacuated Due to Flash Flooding, No Injuries Reported."[3] Jordan Tourism Board, "Petra—Ancient Rock-Cut City and UNESCO World Heritage Site."[4] Arab News, "12 Killed in Flash Floods Across Jordan, Including At Petra."[5] Al Arabiya, "Approximately 1,800 Tourists Evacuated Safely from Petra Due to Heavy Rains and Flooding."[6] The Local Spain, "Tourists Robbed in Spain's Costa del Sol, Gold Chain Worth 7,000 Euros Stolen."
- World travelers who planned to visit Petra in Jordan should be aware of the potential for severe weather conditions, as a flash flood evacuation occurred in 2025, and similar incidents happened in 2022.
- In addition to the danger of flash floods, tourists visiting other popular destinations such as Spain might encounter risks like theft, as reported in 2023 with a gold chain worth 7,000 Euros being stolen from tourists.
