Israelis trapped in apartments, cars as heavy rains flood the country
The police announced that it blocked several sections of Route 90 during Wednesday, as parts of the road were completely flooded.
By EVE YOUNG, TOBIAS SIEGALHarod stream flows as heavy rains flood Israel (Ami Dorfman/National Parks Authority).Storms flooded the country throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday, forcing emergency services to rescue many people trapped overnight by rising waters, Israel Police reported Wednesday morning.Specifically, emergency services searched three flooded basements in Holon. Due to the heavy rains, additional teams were brought in to assist with the search, the police noted.A man was rescued from his flooded apartment near Ramat HaSharon, and three people were rescued from their flooded apartments in Herzliya.Two people were rescued from their car near Hadera after rising waters trapped them inside. Another individual trapped in his car was rescued in central Israel.Traffic officers redirect traffic on Route 90 as sections of the road were flooded, Wednesday, December 16, 2020. (Credit: Police Spokesperson's Unit)Israel’s Police Traffic Department announced that it blocked several sections of Route 90 during Wednesday, as parts of the road were completely flooded. Drivers were redirected to alternative routes.Rains filled rivers in northern Israel, raising concerns that some might overflow and lead to flooding, the police noted.Moreover, hiking trails were closed in southern Israel due to flooding concerns and the potential collapse of river banks, according to Israel’s National Parks Authority. Rains filled the Tavor River and Harod stream.Later Wednesday, six hikers were trapped at the Mezad Zurim hill in southern Israel after heavy rains swiftly flooded the area. Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene. No injuries were reported.The water level in Lake Kinneret has risen by three centimeters since Tuesday, according to Israel’s Water Authority.
