Two killed in Jeddah floods as more rain expected on Wednesday

MENA

Published: 2017-11-22 14:43

Last Updated: 2024-03-29 15:31


Two killed in Jeddah floods as more rain expected on Wednesday
Two killed in Jeddah floods as more rain expected on Wednesday

Two people have been killed after flash floods hit the coastal city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, leaving motorist stranded and forcing authorities to shut schools.

Saudi civil defence authorities have responded to hundreds of calls for help from people trapped by the floodwaters in Saudi Arabia’s second largest city.

Jeddah residents have posted images and videos online of cars surrounded by floodwater and attempting to drive through waist high waters.

With intermittent heavy rainfall expected to last until Wednesday, authorities have closed schools and government buildings, urging Jeddah residents to proceed with caution when leaving their homes.

Flooding is a regular occurrence, with almost annual flooding hitting the Red Sea city, where residents have long blamed poor infrastructure.

Floods killed 123 people in Jeddah in 2009 and about 10 more two years later.

The anti-corruption crackdown led by Crown Prince Mohammed Ben Salman is investigating the 2009 Jeddah floods.