© Saudi Gazette

Exceptionally heavy rains have been falling in Saudi Arabia this fall. It is getting toward the rainy season, though it usually starts later into Winter. Rain has been particularly heavy in Mecca, Qassim, Hail, Riyadh, Asir, Baha, and Jizan provinces. Areas not getting inundated are instead getting sand and dust storms. Not a great time to be in the Kingdom.

EXPECT MORE HEAVY RAIN

JEDDAH – Downpours and thunder storms accompanied by surface winds are likely to continue in most parts of the western region, the Met office said, reporting the next-24-hours forecast, Thursday. The provinces of Makkah, Asir, Baha, extending to Jizan and the coastal plains in the southwest, as well as the central and eastern regions, are likely to be worst hit. Humidity will rise, increasing the likelihood of fog in the early morning hours in most of the rainy regions. Strong winds in most of the Kingdom are expected to stir up dust and reduce visibility. – SG

Saudi Gazette/Okaz reports on deaths and destruction and the displacement of various villages in the country.

DEEP TROUBLE
Saudi Gazette/ Okaz report

JEDDAH – Forecasters predicted more downpours and thunderstorms in the western, eastern and central regions as the Civil Defense reported, Thursday, 9 more deaths in fl oods. Seasonal rains that hit the Arabian peninsula a week ago have caused 17 deaths so far.

Civil Defense continuedsearch and rescue operations using helicopters and boats while government departments stepped up relief work. In Madina, two Bangladeshis died when their vehicle hit a submerged road barricade, Thursday.

Rescue teams in Afi f found the body of a 6-year-old girl sunk in the mud, Thursday afternoon, three days after fl ash fl oods swept her away.
Civil Defense recovered the bodies of two siblings from Tribe Wadi, 100 km south of Tabuk, Thursday. The girl, 15, had jumped into the raging water to rescue her 13-year-old brother who was out swim.
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Arab News reports that a dam in Majmaa, 180km north of Riyadh, has burst.

Rains lash Kingdom; breach in Majmaa dam
Badea Abu Al-Naja & Hussam Al-Mayman | Arab News

RIYADH/MAKKAH: Heavy downpours in many parts of the Kingdom, including Makkah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Qassim, Abha, Jizan, Madinah and Hail during the past two days, caused traffic jams and power outages in certain areas. Some people lost their lives as a result of torrential floods.

Makkah and surrounding areas witnessed heavy rainfall for many hours on Wednesday evening. Scores of police officers were deployed with heavy equipment to carry out rescue operations.
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