RIYADH: At least two people died as heavy rains hit western Saudi Arabia, including coastal city of Jeddah, delaying flights and forcing schools to close, officials said.

“Two deaths have been recorded so far and we call on everyone not to go out unless necessary,” Mecca regional government said on its Twitter page. Mecca region includes Jeddah, kingdom’s second-largest city of roughly four million people and Mecca city, holiest city in Islam where millions perform hajj and umrah pilgrimages each year.

Road connecting two, which many pilgrims use to reach Mecca was closed on Thursday once rains began, state media reported, although it was later reopened, authorities said. State-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel showed footage of worshippers at Grand Masjid in Mecca circling Kaaba (cubic structure that is focal point of Islam) under heavy downpour. In Jeddah, images posted to social media showed standing water snarling traffic and partially submerging some vehicles.

City’s King Abdulaziz International Airport said that “due to weather conditions, departure of some flights has been delayed” and urged passengers to contact carriers for up-to-date schedules.

Official Saudi Press Agency reported before dawn that schools in city would temporarily be closed as rains were forecast to continue throughout day. Schools were also closed in nearby towns of Rabigh and Khulais “to preserve safety of male and female students”, SPA said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 26 2022

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