Saudi toll from heavy flooding has reached 106

Riyadh: A Saudi official says the death toll from the unusually heavy rains that hit western Saudi Arabia has reached 106.

The official said that rescue teams were looking for possible survivors from the downpours that caused heavy flooding in the coastal city of Jeddah, the main entry point for the millions of Muslims performing the annual Haj pilgrimage. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to talk to the media.

The deaths have been blamed on flooding and collapsed homes and bridges.

Sami Badawood, spokesman for health services in Jeddah, said in a statement that area hospitals have been equipped to deal with any possible outbreaks of diseases resulting from the flooding, such as dengue fever.