Floods, rain-stricken Saudi Arabia raises high alert

Rains and severe flooding have swept the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's several cities with the weather agencies reporting for the stress and turmoil to last for days. 

The Kingdom's National Centre of Meteorology issued warnings on Tuesday with different levels across the country, according to Anadolu.  

Red alert was issued for the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in the west of Saudi Arabia including areas of the eastern region. 

By a lesser orange level of severity, the capital Riyadh, central Saudi Arabia, and the southwestern provinces of Aseer and Jazan were alerted, however, people were still urged to remain vigilant amid anticipated rainfall.

In response to the heavy rain warnings, the kingdom’s rescue authorities including the Red Crescent Authority heightened their readiness.

The Red Crescent confirmed full operational readiness for its rescue teams to ensure uninterrupted ambulance service and rapid interventions, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Moreover, citizens were also warned by the Saudi authorities to remain cautious and follow safety guidance especially in the areas that were warned by the high level alerts.

People were urged by the Civil Defence service to stay away from valleys, lowland areas, and areas where rainfall waters could gather.

The extent of the flooding with water levels rising and sweeping cars off roads, as well as buildings being submerged due to the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms was documented on social media.