On May 4, 2025, Sunday, Petra: Jordanian officials evacuated almost 1,800 tourists from the ancient city of Petra when flash floods caused by unexpected heavy rain swept over the UNESCO World Heritage site. The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) said that 1,785 visitors were at the site when heavy rains caused flooding in various sections, such as the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Siq, Al Rasasa, the Monastery, and Mount Haroun.
Yazan Mahadin, Director of Petra Archaeological Park and Tourism for PDTRA, said that civil defense teams evacuated most of the tourists quickly without any injuries reported. The evacuation was carried out smoothly and in line with the highest safety standards.
Jordan’s meteorological agency released video footage of floods of water churning through Petra’s sandstone canyons, with visitors waiting at the Treasury entrance before being led to safety. In response to flooding, PDTRA halted ticket sales for the rest of the day and increased emergency readiness.
Later in the day, the Public Security Directorate announced that police staff at Maan evacuated 14 more tourists and launched a search for a missing mother and son.
Petra, known for its rock-cut architecture and historical importance, has also experienced similar flooding events in the past because of growing rainfall and storms in the area. The latest incident highlights the need for effective disaster management and emergency preparedness measures for heritage sites prone to climate-related disturbances.
As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, authorities stress the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard both tourists and the preservation of such precious historical sites. Keep reading Questiqa.com for more news.
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