Severe floods hit Saudi Arabia after 3 months’ worth of rain in 24 hours

At least one person has died, 10 were injured and several are still missing after severe flooding hit Saudi Arabia's Asir region on Wednesday, February 15, 2017. Parts of the region received 3 months' worth of rain in just 24 hours. Heavy rain and cold temperatures are expected to continue through Friday.

Heavy rain started early Tuesday, February 14, dumping between 60 and 90 mm (2.3 – 3.5 inches) over the next 24 hours. The worst hit areas are in Asir region, around the southern cities of Abha and Khamis Mushayt.

Khamis Mushayt recorded 63 mm (2.5 inches) while the city of Abha received 90 mm (3.5 inches), roughly the equivalent of the averages for January through March.

Flooding caused road and school closures and the launch of warning sirens in Abha dam area.

Officials said one person has died, 10 were injured and 280 rescued, mostly from submerged vehicles. There were more than 900 emergency calls in the two cities alone.

Heavy rainfall and low temperatures are expected to continue through Friday before easing into light drizzle in Asir and the Eastern Province, the Jeddah-based Presidency of Meteorology and Environment said.

Featured image: Floods in Asir region of Saudi Arabia on February 15, 2017. Credit: Saudi DCD