At least 14 killed in Saudi Arabia after unusually intense storms cause major flash floods

Heavy rain falling over Saudi Arabia over the past two weeks have caused widespread flash flooding and left at least 14 people dead. Up to 300 people had to be rescued. This year has seen some of the most extreme weather conditions in decades, authorities said October 30, 2018.

At least 14 people were killed, they said, adding that the Command and Guidance Center in Riyadh received 423 requests for help since October 19 as the heavy rain affected 13 areas of the Kingdom, the Arab News reports.

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

In Abha city, the capital city of Aseer Province near the Red Sea, flash floods damaged roads and submerged cars, sending people on social media into a frenzy. Many of the blamed the city's bad infrastructure.

Similar events took place in other parts of the country, unused to such severe weather conditions.

Faisal Al-Subaie, undersecretary of the Ministry of Water, 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.

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