Death toll rises to 20 from Jordanian flash flood disaster

Thirteen of the 20 people who died in one of Jordan’s worst disasters involving children were middle school students from an Amman private school. They were on a field trip to the Dead Sea region on Thursday when a flash flood swept them away. Dozens were injured and some are still missing. The Israeli military and police sent elite search and rescue units with helicopters to assist in the search, at the request of the Jordanian government. King Abdullah has ordered the national flag to fly at half staff for three days of mourning. He expressed anger towards those who “failed to take measures that could have prevented tis painful incident.” IDF Maj. Gen. Kamil Abu Rokon posted condolences to the Jordanian government and families of the victims.