JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense teams in Qassim responded on Friday to a number of incidents caused by heavy rains in the region.
More than 40 people were safely rescued from their flooded homes in the city of Buraidah, and moved to temporary accommodation, said Col. Ibrahim Aba Al-Khail, spokesman for the Civil Defense.
Fifteen other households were also evacuated in Unaizah.
Al-Khail said the rainfall caused electric strikes that halted several vehicles and five people were rescued, all of whom are in good health.
Authorities have requested the public to stay away from dangerous areas and abide by the safety guidelines that have been issued.
He added that the Civil Defense’s safety patrols are continuing to monitor the situation and are coordinating with the relevant authorities depending on the case.
Teams in Makkah also deployed units in designated areas as a precautionary measure for the rainy season.
WATCH: #Saudi Air Defense Forces rescue of two people from a flooded valley in Al-Lith, Makkah province. https://t.co/2ZoVUAI650 pic.twitter.com/nGwlah2HEd
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“Rescue teams, safety patrols and supporting equipment were deployed in specific areas and locations in advance,” said Nayef Al-Sharif, Civil Defense spokesperson in the holy city.
The plan in Makkah is in coordination with relevant bodies to prepare control and operational rooms for emergency responses as well as to assess water levels.
The Saudi Air Defense Forces have also rescued two Indian nationals stranded on top of their car in a flooded valley in Al-Lith.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged people to take precaution and keep away from valleys, flooded waters, and electricity generators.
Heavy rain has been forecast in the city of Taif and the provinces of Al-Jouf, Al-Baha, Qassim, and Tabuk.
