(MENAFN- Jordan Times) The Mujib Biosphere Reserve, a popular hiking and camping destination known for its rivers and waterfalls, remains closed for over a week now after heavy rains raised water levels, the reserve's director said on Sunday.
Sudden downpours on June 22 in Karak Governorate caused flash floods, which streamed into the wadis and trails of the Mujib reserve.
"The reserve was closed last Friday for the safety of tourists. Flash floods raised the water levels, submerging some of the ladders and ropes that we installed to assist adventurers," Mujib Biosphere Reserve Director, Hisham Dheisat, told The Jordan Times over the phone.
Although the water levels are starting to drop back to normal, the murkiness of the water could jeopardise people's lives.
"Because the water trail beds are not even, it is important for adventurers to know where they are setting their feet. The murkiness of the water is preventing this," Dheisat said.
A specialised safety team has been inspecting the trails every day since the downpour to re-evaluate their risk levels and to make sure that the ropes and ladders are still intact, he noted.
"This is the first time that Mujib trails have been closed this long during the tourist season. The effect of floods usually last three days maximum, but this time, it is different," the reserve official added.
He expected the reserve to reopen to adventure seekers this week, noting that scores of visitors have been turned away for safety reasons.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, which manages Jordan's nature reserves, on Sunday urged the public to always check weather forecasts before setting off on any adventure, as flash floods can occur in many of the Kingdom's outdoor destinations, especially canyons.
Covering an area of 220 square kilometres, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve is home to seasonal and permanent rivers that flow through several valleys, as well as ponds and waterfalls.
Water levels on the reserve's hiking trails - which involve both climbing and swimming - differ depending on the amount of rain during winter.
The reserve's administration briefs visitors on the difficulties and potential hazards along the trails, while tourists are obliged to wear life vests and sign waivers indicating they are aware of potential hazards on the trails and absolve the reserve of any liability.
Members of the Civil Defence Department are also stationed along the trails during weekends, when the number of visitors increases, while warning signs marking dangerous areas are posted.
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