Severe Flooding in Mecca and Jeddah: Rescue Operations Underway Amid Heavy Rains

The holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, along with Jeddah and other regions, are facing extreme flooding due to relentless thunderstorms, heavy rains, and hailstorms. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), these adverse weather conditions have left cars and buses stranded, people trapped, and emergency services scrambling to provide relief. With a red alert issued by Saudi Arabia’s Meteorological Department, the situation remains critical.

Impact of Flooding in Mecca and Surrounding Areas

1. Scenes of Chaos and Rescue Efforts
   • Vehicles Submerged: Cars and buses have been swept away by the force of the floodwaters, creating hazards on major roads.
   • Human Chains: Men in the Al-Awali locality formed human chains to rescue children trapped by rising waters.
   • Heroic Acts: Viral videos show individuals helping delivery workers and others stranded by the floods.
2. Urban Areas Struggle
   • Mecca’s infrastructure is overwhelmed, with waterlogging in key areas.
   • Jeddah, a city prone to flooding, is particularly affected, with operations underway to clear waterlogged roads and assist stranded residents.

Meteorological Warnings and Predictions

Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorological Centre (NMC) has issued red alerts for several regions, including:

• Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah: These areas are experiencing the heaviest rains and thunderstorms.
• Riyadh, Al-Baha, and Tabuk: Moderate to heavy rainfall and potential flash floods are expected.

The NMC has urged residents to exercise caution and avoid waterlogged areas.

Transportation and Infrastructure Disruptions

1. Flight Cancellations:
   • King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has asked travelers to check for updates with their airlines.
2. School Closures:
   • Public schools in Riyadh and the Eastern Province have shifted to online learning due to safety concerns.
3. Municipal Response:
   • Jeddah municipality has deployed 11 regional units and 15 support centers to navigate flooded zones and mitigate hazards.

Historical Context and Infrastructure Challenges

1. Recurring Floods in Jeddah:
   • The city has a history of devastating floods, including a catastrophic event in 2009 that claimed over 100 lives.
2. Underdeveloped Systems:
   • Many urban areas in Saudi Arabia suffer from inadequate drainage and sewage systems, exacerbating the impact of heavy rainfall.
3. Record-Breaking Rains:
   • These floods come months after Gulf states, including Oman and the UAE, experienced unprecedented rainfall in April 2024, resulting in significant casualties.

Key Weather Phenomena

1. Extreme Waterspout:
   • NMC spokesperson Hussein Al Qahtani reported a powerful waterspout in Rabigh, describing it as the strongest ever recorded in the region.
2. Predicted Rainfall:
   • Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to persist throughout the week, posing ongoing risks to affected regions.

Humanitarian Concerns

The floods have exposed a stark divide between socioeconomic groups:

• Wealthier Residents: Those with resources have managed to stay afloat amid the crisis.
• Vulnerable Populations: Many have been left stranded and in desperate need of rescue, highlighting disparities in the ability to cope with natural disasters.

Government and Emergency Measures

1. Emergency Alerts:
   • The Saudi government has closed public spaces in red-alert regions and activated municipal support.
2. Community Response:
   • Locals are playing an active role in rescuing those trapped, showcasing solidarity amid the crisis.

Conclusion

The ongoing floods in Mecca, Jeddah, and other parts of Saudi Arabia underscore the need for robust infrastructure and effective disaster management strategies. With more rain forecasted, rescue operations remain a priority. The resilience and bravery of residents and emergency responders stand as a testament to human solidarity in times of crisis.