Death toll from rain hits 30; over 3,600 evacuated in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH — At least 30 people were killed as a result of accidents caused by rain and floods in various parts of the Kingdom in recent days, according to the Directorate General of Civil Defense.

It said 10 people died in Makkah, five in Al-Baha, three each in Asir and the Eastern Province, two each in Hail, Jazan and Tabuk and one each in Riyadh, Al-Jouf and Najran.

The Civil Defense said as many as 1,480 people were rescued during the week ending on Tuesday.

It said 367 people were rescued in Riyadh, 351 in the Eastern Province, 235 in Al-Jouf, 183 in Makkah, 125 in Al-Baha, 96 in Madinah, 32 in Hail, 30 in Qasim, 25 in Tabuk, 12 in the Northern Border Province, seven in Najran and five in Jazan.

According to the Civil Defense, most of the deaths were caused by electrocution in water-logged areas.

It said as many as 3,865 people were evacuated from rain-stricken areas to safe places.

The largest number of 3,616 people were evacuated in Al-Jouf province, it said, adding that 187 people were taken to safety in the Eastern Province, 23 in Najran, 15 in Riyadh, 10 in Makkah, and seven each in Qassim and Tabuk.

The Civil Defense said more than 2,000 evacuees, the majority of whom in Al-Jouf, were accommodated in tents specially constructed for the purpose.

The Civil Defense said eight committees were set up to assess the material damage to properties caused by rain and floods.

Meanwhile, the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection expected rains to continue during the week in a number of areas including Riyadh, the Eastern Province, Makkah, Hail, Qassim, Al-Jouf and others.