A father and six children aged 9-19 went on a trip to Nahal Gov in the Negev this morning (Monday).
The father and his children left the city of Ubat at 8:00 AM, equipped with water, hats, and hiking boots.
They informed their mother, who was not on the hike with them, that they had started their walk at 9:30 AM, and two hours later they sent her a message that they were exhausted from the intense heat - but expected to finish the route within half an hour.
Since this announcement, contact with them has been cut off - and the mother called the rescue forces.
Volunteers from the Arava Rescue Unit and teams from the Machtseva and Idan units urgently went to the area, in an attempt to quickly locate the family members.
Some time later, the Arava Rescue Unit reported that the father and his six children were located exhausted, but in good condition.
The unit said: "We have reached the family members. They are very exhausted, but in good condition. The family members will be examined and a decision will be made whether they need to be evacuated for further medical treatment.".
Despite the slight drop in temperatures recorded today, a severe heat wave is still prevailing in Israel, with temperatures higher than normal to extremely high - and severe to extreme heat loads being felt throughout parts of the country.
