Massive floods hit Israel after one of the rainiest days in the country's history

Dozens of people were rescued in several parts of Israel after exceptionally heavy rains triggered severe flooding from Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22, 2020. Up to 230 mm (9 inches) of rain fell in some parts of the country in just 24 hours, surpassing the average for the month of November of 70 mm (3 inches). Heavy rains came after a completely dry October.

In Tel Aviv, the Israel Fire and Rescue Services saved an elderly couple, three other people, and a family stranded by rising floodwaters in their houses and car, in three separate incidents. 

Some 20 more people were also rescued from several buildings on Ha'atzma'ut Street in Ness Ziona on Saturday, November 21, after floods engulfed parking lots and houses.

In Haifa, rescue workers saved numerous people in Kiryat Eliezer, Bat Galim, and Ein Hayam, where flooding blocked many roads and streets.

In Rishon Lezion, many basements were submerged, trapping a couple of people who were also eventually rescued. 

According to local media, between 100 and 150 mm (4 and 6 inches) fell over the weekend in some parts of the country, which is more than two months' worth of rain as the average amount for November ranges between 50 and 70 mm (2 and 3 inches).

Climatologist Maximiliano Herrera noted as well that the Mount Carmel area saw up to 230 mm (9 inches) on Friday, November 20-- the highest since 1998. The day was also one of the rainiest days in the country's history. Meanwhile, Mount Hermon in the north received its first snow of the season.

Ness Ziona resident Omri Revach said the floods were a recurring problem in the area every year.

"25 houses were damaged to varying degrees. These people do not know how to protest, so they will spend hundreds of thousands of shekels on the renovations."

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