Sixth anniversary of Dead Sea tragedy: Nation remembers lives lost
Today, Oct. 25, 2024, marks the sixth anniversary of the Dead Sea tragedy, when torrential floods swept through Wadi Zarqa-Ma'in, claiming the lives of 22 people, including 19 children who were on a school trip that ended in heartbreak.
On October 25, 2018, what began as a routine school trip transformed into a national tragedy, evoking deep sorrow and a sense of loss among families and the nation at large.
The trip commenced under clear skies, typical of any other day, until 1:45 PM when disaster struck. The heavens opened, and destructive torrents surged through the valley, turning the area into the scene of the deadliest school disaster the country had ever witnessed. The school bus was caught in the chaos, with children, teachers, and parents fighting for survival.
Civil Defense teams responded swiftly, and evacuation helicopters from the Royal Jordanian Air Force were deployed. However, the atmosphere was already steeped in grief. At Al-Shunah Al-Janubiah Hospital, families searched in silence and dread for their missing loved ones.
The tragedy left a profound wound in the hearts of Jordanians, leading to the resignation of several ministers and officials as questions about accountability mounted. Investigative committees recommended strengthening coordination among government agencies and establishing new building codes to protect flood-prone areas, particularly near the Dead Sea.
In the aftermath, both the Minister of Education and the Minister of Tourism resigned. On July 28, 2020, the Amman Magistrate's Court sentenced the owners of the tour company and the school principal to three years in prison related to the Dead Sea tragedy. The court acquitted the school owner and ruled that three employees of the Ministry of Education bore no responsibility. This ruling was upheld by the Appeals Court on December 24 of the same year.
Today, as six years pass, the pain remains palpable, and the longing for those lost continues to burn in the hearts of many. The spirits of the children linger in the memories of their families and loved ones, serving as a haunting reminder of the need for increased efforts to protect lives from the dangers of natural disasters.
