Middle East suffers from snowstorms

Many cities in the Middle East on December 13 suffered the most severe snowstorm in many years.

The snowstorm and sandstorm Alexa have virtually paralyzed life in Jordan. On December 13, all roads in Jordan were covered with snow, blocking traffic, while strong winds swept away 50 Syrian refugee tents, felled trees and electricity poles, leaving many areas without electricity, especially in the southern regions of Karak and Tafielh, where fuel and bread were in short supply. Shops and restaurants were closed.

Road to Jerusalem on December 13. Photo: AFP

Jordan's meteorological agency said some areas had more than 60 cm of snow, causing several accidents that left many people injured. Storm Alexa also killed 23 people. Heavy snowfall also forced Jordan Airlines (RJ) to cancel 6 flights and delay 5 on December 13.

Sandstorm Alexa also affected Turkey, Israel, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

In Jerusalem, Mayor Nir Barkat called for military assistance. "We are facing a storm of unprecedented intensity," Barkat said in a statement.

Snow has reportedly fallen as much as 37cm in the hilltop "Holy City". Roads leading to Jerusalem, which is 795m above sea level, have been closed. Police have advised people not to use these roads. Temperatures in Jerusalem on December 13 will be 2 degrees Celsius and will drop below zero at night. Snow has been falling since December 12 and will continue to fall on December 14.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that by mid-morning on December 13, police had received calls for help from about 1,500 drivers in the city and were using every means to rescue those in distress. According to Rosenfeld, about 1,000 passersby caught in the snowstorm were taken to temporary shelter at the Jerusalem International Convention Center in the west of the city. Meanwhile, about 400-500 others were taken to the Ofer military barracks via the northeast road leading into Jerusalem.

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Ramallah and Bethlehem, Palestinian cities near Jerusalem, were also covered in snow. Some low-lying areas were also flooded by heavy rain. The Gaza Strip was also hit by heavy rain for a third day.

According to News