developing· Security· Updated
Flash Flood Sweeps ATV in Arava; Driver Sought
On Tuesday 27 October 2026, severe flash floods in the southern Arava region of Israel swept away an ATV near the Hai-Bar Nature Reserve, prompting an extensive search for its driver who is feared missing. It remains unconfirmed whether the driver was on the vehicle when it was carried away by the strong currents.
3 newsrooms · 2 languages · since
What happened
- 01An ATV was swept away by strong flash flood currents near the Hai-Bar Nature Reserve in the Arava on Tuesday 27 October 2026.
- 02Rescue teams and police are searching for the driver of the ATV, who is feared missing in the floodwaters.
- 03Specialized swift-water rescue units and firefighters from the Yotvata and Ramon stations have been deployed to the area.
- 04All roads leading to and from the southern city of Eilat, including Route 90 and Route 12, have been closed due to the flooding.
- 05Major routes in the Negev, including sections of Route 25, Route 40, and Route 13, are blocked to traffic.
- 06The Israel Fire and Rescue Services and police have warned the public to stay away from flooded wadis and stream beds.
Fire and rescue teams from the Yotvata and Ramon stations, along with specialized swift-water rescue units and the Israel Police, are conducting searches in the complex terrain. The severe weather and flooding have also caused major road closures across the Negev and Arava regions, blocking all routes to and from the southern city of Eilat.
According to Maariv, Route 90 is blocked from the Arava junction to the entrance of Eilat, and Route 12 is also closed. Other closures include Route 25 eastbound from the Tzafit junction, Route 40 between the Mitzpe Ramon and Ketura junctions, and Route 13 between the Menucha and Tzichor junctions. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services and police are warning the public to stay away from stream beds and avoid crossing flooded wadis.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Channel 9. Read Channel 9’s originalThe coverage
3 newsrooms on this story
Who covered it
- LeftNone
- Centre1
- RightNone
- Haredi1
- ArabNone
- Other1
Not in the Left, Right or Arab press
How it broke
How the headlines differ
Flash Flood Sweeps ATV in Arava; Driver Sought