In a dramatic turn of events, heavy rainfall since October 27, 2024, has led to catastrophic flooding across various regions in Saudi Arabia, with Mecca suffering some of the most severe impacts. Known for its historical and religious significance, Mecca has witnessed streets and pathways, including areas surrounding the Grand Mosque, submerged under water, resulting in considerable disruption for residents, pilgrims, and visitors alike.
The Saudi Civil Defence, alongside local authorities, is actively managing the situation and has advised the public to stay indoors and avoid venturing into flooded areas. Authorities are particularly concerned as rain is forecast to persist through November 3, with regions such as Hail, Qassim, Asir, and Jizan facing the potential for even greater rainfall.
The magnitude of the flooding has been alarming; cities across western Saudi Arabia are contending with flood-like conditions, drastically altering daily routines. In Mecca, flash floods have struck at the heart of the city, inundating the very pathways that lead to Islam's most sacred sites.
Particularly notable is the situation surrounding the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque, where rising water levels have drawn significant attention as this revered site experiences unprecedented flooding. The intense rainfall, which began two days ago, has overwhelmed the city's drainage system, leaving many areas struggling to cope with the torrents of water.
While Mecca is at the forefront of this natural disaster, surrounding areas, including parts of Madinah and Jeddah, are also grappling with severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall. Meteorological experts, including spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani from the National Center of Meteorology, have issued warnings regarding the expected intensity of rainfall, forecasting particularly heavy showers through the upcoming weekend.
On October 27, Al-Qahtani highlighted that the regions of Hail, Qassim, Asir, and Jizan were expected to bear the brunt of the deluge, with significant rainfall also anticipated for Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and Sharqiya. Local authorities are on high alert, monitoring the evolving situation closely and providing timely updates to the public.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the Saudi Civil Defence emphasized, "We continue to monitor the rainy conditions witnessed in most regions of the Kingdom in the field and urge everyone to stay away from valleys and areas prone to rainwater accumulation." This warning reflects the urgency with which officials are treating the current weather events.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of the flooding are ongoing, with local authorities mobilizing emergency assistance and urging both residents and pilgrims to remain indoors for safety. Al-Qahtani also confirmed that the meteorological center would release detailed reports regarding current weather conditions and provide continuous updates on the situation as it develops.
As Saudi Arabia navigates this formidable weather event, the resilience of the affected communities and the response of local authorities will be crucial. The coming days will determine the extent of the flooding's impact and the recovery efforts necessary to restore normalcy in Mecca and surrounding regions.
