Syria flash floods kill at least 5, force hundreds of families from camps

Flash floods and heavy rain across Syria earlier this week have left at least five people dead, including four children, and five others missing, Syrian officials said Friday as rescue teams worked to evacuate families and reopen damaged roads.

Four children drowned in pools formed by floodwaters in rural areas of Syria’s northeastern province of Raqqa and eastern province of Deir ez-Zor, state news agency SANA reported Friday, citing the country’s Emergency and Disaster Management Ministry. 

Seven people were injured and five remain missing, according to the agency.

The flash floods followed heavy rain and thunderstorms that swept across the country’s northeastern and eastern regions as well as some central and northern areas on Wednesday, accompanied by hail and strong winds, causing water to surge through valleys and inundate roads.