ATV Found Swept Away in Arava Flash Floods as Eilat Roads Close
An ATV swept away by flash floods was found in the Arava region on Tuesday, prompting fears of a missing driver. Emergency crews are searching the area as severe flooding forces the closure of major southern highways, including Route 90 and all routes to Eilat.
An all-terrain vehicle swept away by flash floods was located on Tuesday near the Hai-Bar wildlife reserve in the Arava region. Authorities have expressed concern that the driver may be missing, though this has not yet been officially confirmed. Israel Fire and Rescue Services and police forces are currently deployed in the area, conducting extensive sweeps.
Rescue teams from the Yotvata and Ramon fire stations, alongside a specialized water rescue unit consisting of firefighters trained in swift-water extractions, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Emergency personnel are combing the surrounding terrain to locate the potential missing person.
Simultaneously, severe flooding has prompted widespread road closures across southern Israel. Route 90, the Arava Highway, has been shut down to vehicular traffic from the Arava Junction to the northern entrance and exit of Eilat. Police also confirmed the closure of Route 12.
Furthermore, Route 25 has been closed eastbound from the Tzafit Junction in the eastern Negev. Earlier closures affected Route 40 between Mitzpe Ramon and Ketura Junction, as well as Route 13 between Menucha and Tzihor junctions. At present, all major access routes leading to and from Eilat are blocked in both directions.
Israel Fire and Rescue Services have issued an urgent public appeal urging citizens to stay away from riverbeds and water flows during flash floods. Authorities emphasized that strong water currents pose an immediate threat to life and strictly prohibited attempting to cross or approach flooded streams.
