Severe flooding in Mecca and its surrounding regions, including Jeddah, has disrupted daily life and left many stranded as thunderstorms, heavy rains, and hail continue to batter Saudi Arabia. Videos circulating on social media show cars and buses being swept away by floodwaters, while rescue operations are underway to assist trapped individuals, including children and delivery workers.
In Mecca’s Al-Awali locality, men formed human chains to rescue children caught in the floods. In another instance, a man helped a delivery boy regain his footing after he was knocked down by the rushing waters. These scenes highlight the devastating impact of the floods, exacerbated by inadequate drainage and sewage systems in several cities.
The Saudi Meteorological Department issued red alerts for Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and other cities, urging residents to exercise caution. This follows record-breaking rainfall earlier in 2024, which affected the Gulf states. Cities such as Riyadh, Al-Baha, and Tabuk are also experiencing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with the National Meteorological Centre (NMC) predicting continued severe weather throughout the week.
The Jeddah municipality activated 11 municipalities and 15 support centers to address waterlogging and other hazards. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has advised travelers to check with airlines for flight updates, as disruptions are expected. Schools in the Eastern Province and Riyadh have shifted to online instruction, and public spaces across several regions have been temporarily closed.
An extreme waterspout was reported near Rabigh, reaching the shoreline and generating large waves. NMC spokesperson Hussein Al Qahtani noted that this was the strongest recorded waterspout in the region and will be the subject of further study by researchers.
The floods have underscored the vulnerabilities of urban planning in the region, with underdeveloped infrastructure struggling to cope with the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall. This is not the first time Jeddah has faced such disasters; the city experienced a catastrophic flood in 2009, resulting in over 100 fatalities.
Neighboring Gulf countries have also faced challenges from extreme weather. In April 2024, record rainfall claimed 21 lives in Oman and four in the UAE, highlighting the increasing frequency of such events. In Dubai, recent rains caused airport flooding, flight cancellations, and severe disruptions.
Saudi authorities continue to prioritize rescue operations and relief efforts, but the events serve as a reminder of the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness to address the growing risks posed by climate change.
