Why are flash floods an important disaster risk in Jordan?

Rainwater can collect rapidly and rush through wadis, canyons, and low roads, including places far from the heaviest rain. People should leave low ground early and never attempt to cross moving water.

What should I do during an earthquake in Jordan?

Drop low, cover your head and neck under sturdy protection when available, and hold on until shaking ends. Then check for injuries and hazards, leave seriously damaged buildings carefully, and follow authority instructions.

How should a household prepare for dust or sandstorms in Jordan?

Keep windows and doors closed, have suitable face and eye protection available, and keep necessary respiratory medicines accessible. Avoid driving when visibility is poor unless remaining in place creates greater danger.

Which authorities respond to disasters in Jordan?

Civil Defence, police, health services, municipalities, and other public bodies may take part depending on the event. Residents should follow their instructions about evacuation, shelter, roads, and access to affected areas.

Disasters in Jordan

Disaster planning in Jordan mainly concerns flash floods, earthquakes, extreme heat, drought, dust or sandstorms, fires, and severe winter weather in some areas. The risk depends strongly on whether a person is in a city, a wadi, the desert, high ground, or an older building. Simple preparation helps people react quickly when normal services or travel are disrupted.

Tip

Prepare for the hazards linked to your exact location in Jordan, especially nearby wadis, steep drainage paths, older structures, and exposed roads. Keep basic supplies together and agree on how household members will communicate if separated. During an event, protect life first and delay travel until the route is known to be safe.

byAlaa&Zaid

Jordan faces several natural hazards, but they do not affect every place in the same way. Geography, building quality, season, and access to water or transport shape the practical risk. Flash floods are a major concern in wadis, canyons, low roads, and other drainage routes. Heavy rain can send water through an area even when little rain falls at that exact spot. Entering or crossing moving water is dangerous. Earthquakes are possible because Jordan lies near active geological fault systems. Safe behavior includes dropping low, protecting the head and neck, and staying away from windows and falling objects until shaking stops. Extreme heat and drought can strain people, water supplies, farming, and electricity use. Dehydration and heat illness may begin with headache, weakness, dizziness, confusion, or unusually hot skin. Shade, rest, water, and early help are important. Dust and sandstorms can sharply reduce visibility and worsen breathing problems. People should go indoors when possible, close openings, limit driving, and protect prescribed respiratory medicines from being left behind. Cold periods, heavy rain, snow, or ice can disrupt higher areas and roads. Homes may also face unsafe heating practices. Ventilation and properly maintained heating equipment reduce the danger from fire and poisonous gases. Civil Defence, the Public Security Directorate, health services, municipalities, and other authorities respond according to the type and scale of the event. Instructions may include avoiding roads, leaving an area, sheltering indoors, or moving to higher ground. A household disaster plan should cover water, food, medicine, lighting, communication, documents, and family reunification. The aim is not to predict every event but to remain safe during the first disruption and follow official directions.