14 people killed in the extreme weather conditions in Saudi Arabia

14 people have been killed in the extreme weather conditions in Saudi Arabia over the last two weeks, reported ArabaNews. 

Saudi Arabia has been hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms and officials said this year has seen some the most extreme weather conditions in decades.

The Directorate General of Civil Defense said one of the deaths occurred in Riyadh, four cases were recorded in Makkah, two in the Eastern Province, one in Asir, one in Tabuk, three in Al-Baha, one in Jazan and one in Hail.

Since Oct. 19, the Command and Guidance Center in Riyadh has received 423 requests for help from the civil defense, as the heavy rain affected 13 areas of the Kingdom, SPA reported.

Image: Arab News

Civil Defense forces rescued 299 stranded people, including 115 in Makkah. Most of those requiring help were trapped in their vehicles, of which 88 people were evacuated and 282 cars were towed.

The General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection warned of further bad climate with rain throughout the Kingdom, and winds and lifting dust in few areas.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Water, Faisal Al-Subaie, said Saudi Arabia usually witnesses thunderstorms ranging between medium and heavy during this time of the year, but this year the storms have been particularly severe.

Al-Subaie said a few regions had sent groups to drain the excess water and clean the fallen trees and flotsam and jetsam off the roads. 

The Civil Defense has called upon natives and inhabitants to avoid potential risk and not go close overflowed territories or channels, which are probably going to streak surge in substantial downpours.