Mecca, Saudi Arabia: On Monday, January 6, 2025, heavy rains and thunderstorms struck Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, causing severe flooding. The city of Mecca was particularly affected, with floodwaters sweeping away cars, damaging roads, and stranding buses in the middle of the streets. Social media posts have shown the widespread destruction, with videos highlighting the extent of the flooding, including parts of the Masjid-e-Nabawi in Medina being submerged.
Weather Conditions and Safety Measures
The Civil Defense has issued a warning that the severe weather is expected to continue until Wednesday, January 10. As a precaution, most schools in the affected regions have been closed, and the government has urged residents to avoid non-essential travel to ensure safety.
Increased Preparedness and Emergency Response
In response to the flooding, the Red Crescent Authority (RCA) has heightened its preparedness. The authority confirmed that its Command and Control Room, Ambulance Stations, Rapid Response Teams, and Volunteer Units are fully operational, available 24/7. People in need of emergency services can contact the RCA via the Asefne app or by calling the ambulance service at 997.
