Jordanian PM says govt takes full responsibility for Dead Sea flood casualties

Jordan’s Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz said the government takes full moral and managerial responsibility for the Dead Sea flood, which caused 21 casualties and dozens of injuries last Thursday.

During a House of Representatives session on Tuesday, Razzaz said that the government must verify the details of the incident and find out what the shortcomings and institutional mistakes were so as to avoid such tragedies in the future.

Razzaz added that those involved in the rescue mission who failed to follow instructions and broke the law should stand trial, including those who did not live up to their responsibilities who should step down from their positions.

Razzaz said that these faults must be paid attention to in order to avoid these types of incidents, adding that the government still takes full responsibility.

Several other parliament members called for the removal of Jordanian ministers in light of the incident while others threatened to put forth a motion of no confidence from Razzaz’s government.

According to the police, torrential rains swept away a bus carrying 44 children and teachers who were on a school trip picnicking in the popular destination.

The death toll from the floods in the Dead Sea rose to 21 and 42 injured.

A bridge on one of the cliffs of the Dead Sea had collapsed with the intensity of the rains, the first such heavy rains after the end of the summer season.

Families of victims were searching the rugged area after search teams suspended operations overnight for a few hours, a witness said.