Queen Elizabeth II has sent a message of condolence to King Abdullah II of Jordan, following the tragic deaths following a flash flood near the Dead Sea.

The flash flood occurred on Thursday, 25 October 2018, which claimed the lives of at least 18 people, including students, adult chaperones and teachers during a school excursion.

A further 13 people escaped injuries.

Visitors, 37 students and their teachers from a private middle school were eating lunch at the hot springs when they were caught out by the surprise flooding.

Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life caused by flash flooding at the Dead Sea region in Jordan.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones.

Elizabeth R.

The low-lying Dead Sea area, part of the Jordan Valley, is prone to flash flooding when rainwater rushes down from nearby hills.

According to reports, King Abdullah has cancelled a trip to Bahrain which had been scheduled for Friday, 2 November.

The Israeli government has also sent assistance, following a request from the Jordanian government to help with search and rescue, to find more victims.

World leaders, including King Felipe VI of Spain, have also sent their condolences.