Jeddah : Severe flooding caused by relentless torrential rains has wreaked havoc in Mecca, one of Islam’s holiest cities. The deluge has not only crippled daily life in Mecca but also severely impacted Medina and Jeddah, leaving streets submerged, vehicles swept away, and people stranded. Disturbing scenes of buses stuck in floodwaters and citizens forming human chains to rescue children and the elderly have emerged from the affected areas.
Flood Chaos: Streets Turn into Rivers
In Mecca’s Al-Awali district, heart-wrenching visuals show people risking their lives to rescue those trapped by the rising waters. One viral video depicts a man saving a delivery worker who had been swept away by the flood. Social media is flooded with similar acts of bravery and humanity, highlighting the collective effort of locals to safeguard lives amidst this crisis.
Red Alert Issued by Saudi Weather Authority
In response to the severe weather, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) of Saudi Arabia has issued a red alert for Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, warning of continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Authorities have taken swift action by:
- Closing King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah until further notice, advising passengers to contact their airlines for updates.
- Switching schools to online classes to ensure student safety.
- Shutting down public places to prevent further risks from flooding.
Recalling the 2009 Jeddah Flood Tragedy
This isn’t the first time Jeddah has faced such a calamity. The city endured a catastrophic flood in 2009, resulting in over 100 deaths. With memories of that disaster still fresh, authorities are on high alert. The Jeddah Municipality has activated 11 municipal branches and 15 emergency response centers to manage the crisis and control waterlogging.
Rich vs. Poor: The Unequal Impact of Flooding
While residents in affluent areas of Mecca have found refuge in safe shelters, the underprivileged and labor-class communities remain the worst affected, with many forced to endure the floods in makeshift shelters or their inundated homes. This stark contrast underscores the glaring inequalities in disaster preparedness and response.
More Rain and Storms Expected
According to NMC forecasts, the severe weather conditions are expected to persist for another week, with more rain and thunderstorms likely to lash Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah. Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors and stay vigilant.
As Saudi Arabia braces for the coming days of uncertainty, rescue operations are in full swing, and citizens are coming together to support each other in this challenging time. Stay tuned for further updates on the unfolding situation.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
