Swept Away: Massive Search Mission Launched as Man Vanishes in Meitar Stream

A major search and rescue operation is currently underway in the southern region of Israel following reports of a man being swept away by the powerful currents of the Meitar Stream. The incident occurred on Monday during a period of heavy rainfall and flash flooding that has gripped much of the country. According to reports received by the Israel Police, the missing individual was last seen attempting to help extract a vehicle that had become submerged in the rising water. During the attempt, the man was pulled into the main channel of the stream and vanished downstream.

Volunteers from the Etzion-Yehuda rescue unit, along with officers from the Judea and Samaria District, are conducting extensive scans of the area. The search efforts are being supported by the Fire and Rescue Services, who have deployed specialized units to the scene. To assist with the difficult terrain and the speed of the water, drone teams from the Arad unit and the elite Lehava unit are performing aerial reconnaissance along the riverbed to locate the missing man. Authorities are working in coordination with all relevant emergency bodies to cover as much ground as possible before nightfall.

This disappearance is part of a series of dangerous incidents caused by the winter storm. Earlier today, four people were rescued from an off road vehicle that became trapped in the mud and rising waters of a stream near the Megiddo junction. The passengers were forced to climb onto the roof of their vehicle to escape the mud before Northern District fire crews arrived. Using specialized ladders, the rescuers were able to bring all four individuals to safety without any injuries.

In the south, fire crews were also called to the Halmot Stream in the Negev to rescue three people trapped by sudden floodwaters. The rescue was carried out under challenging field conditions, but all individuals were safely extracted. Additionally, another man was rescued from the Sorek Stream after his car was caught in a heavy drift. He was taken for medical evaluation and is reported to be in light condition. Rescue services continue to warn the public that entering flooded areas or attempting to cross flowing streams is a life threatening risk and should be strictly avoided.