Saudi Arabia Grapples with Widespread Severe Weather Conditions
Saudi Arabia's meteorological authorities have issued persistent warnings about severe weather conditions affecting multiple regions across the Kingdom. On Sunday, heavy flooding and torrential rains swept through key areas including Riyadh, Najran, Makkah, and the Eastern Province, significantly disrupting daily life and infrastructure.
Social Media Captures Dramatic Flooding in Riyadh
Viral footage on social media platforms from Saturday showed torrents of water rushing through the streets of the Saudi capital following intense rainfall. This was compounded by a dust storm that severely reduced visibility in some areas, creating hazardous conditions for residents and travelers alike.
Forecasters have warned of dust-stirring winds across central and northern regions, with gusts over the Arabian Gulf exceeding 45 km/h during storm activity. Additionally, Red Sea winds are expected to reach up to 60 km/h in certain locations, posing further challenges.
National Weather Center Issues Ongoing Rainfall Predictions
According to the National Centre for Meteorology, heavy rain continued to affect Riyadh through early Sunday but was projected to ease gradually. Residents in Riyadh and the Eastern Province have been strongly advised by the Saudi Civil Defence to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to official safety instructions.
Educational Institutions Nationwide Shift to Remote Learning
In response to the dangerous weather conditions, in-person classes at schools and universities across Saudi Arabia have been suspended. This includes prominent institutions such as Al-Baha University, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, and King Khalid University.
Regional Education Departments Implement Safety Measures
Education departments in the Eastern Province, including Al-Baha and Asir, have shifted to remote learning via the "Madrasati" platform. Classes were halted in Dammam and surrounding governates such as Khobar, Qatif, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Abqaiq, and Al-Ahsa.
In Al-Baha, classes were suspended in central sectors and governorates including Bani Hassan, Baljurashi, and Al-Mandaq due to safety concerns. In Asir, the suspension applied to schools in areas under red alerts, encompassing Abha, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Sarat Abidah, Al-Namas, Dhahran Al-Janoub, Tanomah, Balqarn, Al-Harjah, Al-Raboah, and Al-Farsha.
Authorities confirmed that classes would continue remotely for both students and staff to ensure public safety and comply with meteorological warnings. The weather center predicts that most regions in Saudi Arabia will experience moderate to heavy rainfall through Tuesday.
Saudi Authorities on Full Alert for Emergency Response
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has raised readiness levels in Riyadh and declared a full alert as part of its comprehensive rain and flood response plan. "A total of 143 ambulance units and 25 rapid response teams have been allocated," the authority stated, noting that additional vehicles have been deployed to handle potential multiple-casualty incidents.
Public Safety Advisories and Emergency Contact Information
The agency has advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas and emphasized that emergency services can be reached via the 997 hotline. Additionally, mobile applications such as "Asifny," "Tawakkalna," and "Absher" are available for reporting emergencies and seeking assistance.
This coordinated response underscores the Kingdom's commitment to mitigating the impact of severe weather events and protecting its citizens during this challenging period.
