Saudi Arabia: Riyadh mobilises emergency plan as heavy rains, hailstorms sweep the city

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, has launched an emergency response plan to manage the heavy rainfall affecting the city and surrounding provinces. The downpour, ranging from moderate to severe, was accompanied by hailstorms in some areas.

In a statement, the municipality announced the activation of a comprehensive emergency plan to swiftly address water accumulation and maintain traffic flow in affected areas.

The response followed three key phases: Preparation, intervention, and recovery. Preemptive measures included clearing water channels, maintaining stormwater drainage networks, preparing emergency equipment, and enhancing readiness at the city’s emergency operations center.

During the rainfall, field teams were deployed to critical areas to conduct drainage operations and regulate traffic, minimising disruptions to main roads and public facilities.

More than 6,500 personnel—including engineers, inspectors, and workers—were mobilized, supported by approximately 1,800 specialized vehicles and equipment for rapid intervention.

To keep residents informed, the municipality intensified media efforts, issuing regular weather updates and public safety alerts. Citizens were encouraged to report incidents through the "Madinati" (My City) app and the unified 940 call center, enabling emergency teams to respond based on priority needs.