Unprecedented hailstorm hits Saudi Arabia, injures more than 50 people

A violent hailstorm hit Al-Madinah and other regions of Saudi Arabia on Sunday morning, February 25, 2018. Hailstones that hit Madinah were the size of golf balls and larger - unprecedented for the region. More than 50 people were injured, a number of animals killed and many vehicles badly damaged.

Severe storms with large hail started affecting the region on February 24 but the worst of them hit on the morning of February 25, sending people into hiding and forcing authorities to close schools and colleges. Flooding was reported in Mathama, Jibal al Ajrad and surrounding areas, local media reported.

According to Khaleej Times, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Madinah helped transport 15 injured to the hospital for treatment via three ambulances. It also swept into action following seven traffic incidents, transferring six injured to the hospital. 

As many as 54 people were shifted from the Prophet's Mosque to the hospital to receive treatment.

Madīnah, also transliterated as Medina, is a city and administrative headquarters of the Al-Madinah Region of Saudi Arabia. At the city's heart is al-Masjid an-Nabawi ("the Prophet's Mosque"), which is the burial place of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. This is the second-holiest city in Islam after Mecca.

Mecca also witnessed heavy rainfall and severe traffic disruptions.

Featured image: Unprecedented hailstorm hits Saudi Arabia on February 25, 2018.