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Israel Closes Nature Reserves Near Dead Sea Due to Flood Threat
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority announced the closure of several popular nature reserves on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, as a precautionary safety measure in response to severe weather and flood warnings. The closures affect the Ein Gedi and Ein Bokek nature reserves near the Dead Sea, which are closed to the public, as well as the Hai-Bar Yotvata wildlife park in the Arava, which ceased admitting visitors and closed at 12:00 PM.
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What happened
- 01The Israel Nature and Parks Authority closed the Ein Gedi and Ein Bokek nature reserves near the Dead Sea on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
- 02The Hai-Bar Yotvata wildlife park in the Arava closed to visitors at 12:00 PM on Tuesday due to the weather warnings.
- 03According to Kipa, the closures will remain in effect on Tuesday and Wednesday due to predicted flash floods.
- 04The Meteorological Service forecast heavy rains and flash floods in the southern Negev, Arava, Dead Sea, and Judean Desert regions.
- 05The Authority strictly prohibited entering flowing wadi channels by foot or vehicle until water levels completely recede.
- 06Visitors were warned against approaching the banks of wadis during floods due to the risk of bank collapse.
According to Kipa, these closures will remain in effect on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Meteorological Service has forecast heavy rainfall and a risk of flash floods in the streams of the southern Negev, Arava, Dead Sea, and Judean Desert regions in southern and eastern Israel.
To ensure public safety, the Authority has strictly prohibited entering flowing wadi channels by foot or vehicle during the floods and until water levels completely recede. Additionally, visitors are warned against approaching the banks of the wadis during a flood due to the danger of the banks collapsing. The closures were implemented because the adverse weather conditions could pose a significant risk to visitors.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
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Israel Closes Nature Reserves Near Dead Sea Due to Flood Threat
