Torrential rain causes widespread flooding in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Widespread flooding hit the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia following torrential rains on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Many vehicles were submerged and several people were washed away by raging waters.

Streets and roads were heavily inundated in Mecca after a sudden storm on Tuesday afternoon. Many vehicles were stranded in the road, while several people were swept away by fast-flowing waters.

The Civil Defense said it has been assisting people in affected areas in the city, as well as areas of Mecca Region.

Videos of the event made rounds on social media, showing people being carried away by the flood.

Prior to the severe weather, authorities had warned people of heavy rain and thunderstorms in Mecca, as well as in Medina, Al Baha, Jazan, and Najran, with possible flooding in the Eastern Province, Riyadh, and Qassim.

Featured image credit: Saudi Arabia Civil Defense