The Israel Nature and Parks Authority announced that Ein Gedi Nature Reserve will be closed to visitors until further notice due to severe damage caused by flooding this week. The authority described the flood as "an extreme event not seen in the area for many years," reporting that many hiking trails have completely disappeared while others were significantly damaged by debris and water flow. According to the authority, all auxiliary facilities in the reserve, including footbridges, handrails, stairs and signage were significantly damaged, as well as roads leading to and within the reserve and all infrastructure.