AMMAN – At least seven people died, 37 went missing and 11 were rescued by Thursday evening from flash floods in the hot springs area near the Dead Sea as the country witnessed heavy quick rain, according to authorities.

Majority of those killed, rescued and reported missing were allegedly students on a school trip to the Zara Maeen hot springs area, according to the Civil Defence Department (CDD).

Education Ministry’s spokesperson Walid Jallad was not available to confirm news reports claiming those missing and killed in the flash flood were students, despite several attempts by The Jordan Times.

“A major rescue operation entailing scores of people from different state agencies as well as several rescue helicopters and boats, marine divers and swimmers are at the site now to rescue trapped people and search for missing ones,” an officer at the CDD’s press department told The Jordan Times over the phone.

The press officer said there was no information yet on the age of those killed in the flashflood and highlighted that those rescued suffered mild to serious injuries.

Prime Minister Omar Razza oversaw the rescue operation and instructed state agencies on Thursday to provide all needed assistance to ensure the safety of the students.

“The number of those killed in the flash flood is expected to increase because many were reported to have been swept away by the raging water,” the officer said.