Saudi Arabia braces for continued flash floods near Mecca amidst safety concerns
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by Balikbayan Store
1 min reading time
Torrential rains have triggered unprecedented flash floods in a Saudi governorate near the holy city of Mecca. Videos shared on social media depict powerful flooding engulfing Fatma Wadi in Al Jumum Governorate, north of Mecca, in western Saudi Arabia. Witnesses claim this is the first time the local wadi has overflowed, prompting concerns for public safety.
Amidst the deluge, footage emerged of camels stranded by the rising waters, while a crucial road linking Mecca to Jeddah was submerged, causing traffic disruptions. The civil defence directorate has issued warnings urging vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines, advising the public to avoid water accumulations and wadis.
In addition to the flooding in the west, heavy rainfall has soaked parts of the Eastern Province, with video evidence showing key routes submerged in Dammam, causing traffic chaos. Authorities responded by temporarily shutting down tunnels on King Fahd Road as a precautionary measure.
Looking ahead, the Saudi National Centre of Meteorology forecasts continued heavy to medium thunderstorms across various regions, accompanied by hail showers and dust-laden winds. Riyadh, Al Qassim, and the Eastern Province have suspended in-person classes, transitioning to remote learning due to the inclement weather.
Similar weather patterns are anticipated in neighboring countries, with Oman and Qatar bracing for heavy rainfall according to local news agencies. Bahrain has already experienced downpours, highlighting the widespread impact of this weather system across the region.
