Saudi Arabia: 4 die after car trapped by floods near Mecca

Cairo: Four friends drowned after their car was swept away by floodwaters resulting from heavy rains that recently lashed the Saudi region of Mecca, relatives have said.

The tragedy occurred after the four performed the Maghreb (sunset) prayers and rode the car, heading to a rest house, Abdullah Al Zahrani, a relative, said.

While on the road, they were surprised by the flooding in Wadi Arna south of Mecca, but thought the car could make its way through it. However, the waves were so high that it submerged the car, according to Al Zahrani.

“We must take the warnings of the Meteorology Centre into account,” he told Al Arabiya TV. “We may see a small amount of water, but it may be dangerous. We must behave cautiously during rainfall, especially in the Mecca region, which is full of wadis (valleys),” he added.

Earlier this week, several Saudi areas, including Mecca, Jeddah and Medina, were hit by downpours, prompting local authorities to be on high alert. Social media footage showed some roads submerged, and vehicles stranded as a result.

The Saudi General Directorate of Civil Defence has called for observing vigilance and caution, warning that thunderstorms will continue in most parts of the kingdom until Sunday.

The directorate has advised the public to stay in safe places during rainfall, and keep off accumulated flooding sites and wadis.

It said the Mecca region will experience moderate- to- heavy rains that would result in floods, hail showers, and dust-laden winds. Rainfall is also forecast in the regions of Al Baha, Asir, Jazan, the Eastern Province, Tabuk, Al Jawf, the Northern Borders, H’ail, Medina, Al Qassim and Riyadh.