UPDATE 2 - Flashfloods in Jordan leave at least 21 dead

UPDATES DEATH TOLL

By Laith Joneidi

AMMAN (AA) - At least 21 people have been killed by flashfloods -- and at least 35 others injured -- in Jordan’s Dead Sea region, local officials said Friday.

Most of those killed were students and teachers whose bus was swept away by the floods during a school trip, Jordan’s Civil-Defense Directorate said in a statement.

Speaking to reporters, Civil Defense Operations Director Farid al-Sharaa said the students and teachers -- along with a number of tourists -- had been visiting hot springs in the area.

According to the Directorate, a bridge has collapsed due to the flooding while a major road in the area has been closed by the authorities.

Jordanian rescue teams, meanwhile, are continuing the search for survivors.

Following the incident, Jordan's King Abdullah II canceled a scheduled visit to Bahrain and declared three days of mourning.

On Thursday, several areas of the Hashemite Kingdom were hit by flashfloods following a bout of torrential rainfall.