Unprecedented images were recorded in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan after heavy rain hit the archaeological site. The footage captured is truly breath-taking as water engulfed the iconic archaeological site, forcing residents and tourists to evacuate.
https://twitter.com/AlertaNews24/status/1607451462367608832
In particular, approximately 1,700 tourists and locals were forced to evacuate the area following recommendations from local authorities.
Jordan’s ancient city of Petra also known as the ‘Rose City’ was hit with heavy rain and flooding causing the evacuation of visitors of the UNESCO World Heritage site pic.twitter.com/ZLiplpITNC
— TRT World (@trtworld) December 26, 2022
It is recalled that 13 people were killed in similar floods in the area in 2018.
Floods in Petra, today, tourists were evacuated:pic.twitter.com/cAjrLNmHhy
— Taghreed Risheq (@taghreedrisheq) December 26, 2022
Petra dates to around 300 B.C., has withstood human and natural disasters. Current storm not believed to be a threat to the structure.
Petra was also voted as one of new seven wonders of the world. It is one of most historic and charming archaeological sites on earth…#البتراء
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) December 26, 2022
In a video posted on social media, a river of water can be seen pouring into the gorge at the entrance to the Petra temple as panicked tourists flee.
The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) evacuated visitors from Petra as heavy downpours flooded the archeological site.
Water from surrounding mountains poured down into the rose-red city as heavy rains poured in the south of the Kingdom.#JordanNews #Jordan pic.twitter.com/TmZEu8Pa7S
— Jordan News (@jordannewsdaily) December 26, 2022
Petra, the "ruddy city"
Petra is a city carved into the sandstone hills containing the burial chambers of the Nabataeans, a tribe of wealthy merchants whose civilisation flourished between 200 B.C. and 100 AD.
The city dates back to 400 BC, about the time when the Greeks attempted to invade it. This is its first recorded mention in history.
Although the ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage site look vast, more than 90% is buried under the desert sands.
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