77 dead after flooding in Saudi Arabia
Friday, November 27, 2009
- 10 February 2012: Egypt struggles to recover tourism; investment
- 25 January 2012: One year on: Egyptians mark anniversary of protests that toppled Mubarak
- 13 January 2012: Observing the 2012 Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the US, and wider world
- 23 October 2011: Crown Prince Sultan of Saudi Arabia dies
- 28 September 2011: Saudi Arabian women gain right to vote, run in elections
The worst flooding in 27 years in Saudi Arabia has left at least 77 people dead, and dozens more could be missing. The floods came after torrential rains on Wednesday.
The rainstorms mainly affected western parts of the country, including the cities of Jeddah, Rabigh and Mecca, and the surrounding area. Inclement weather hampered the start of the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca; however, none of the dead people had been attending the event.
The deaths were mainly caused by collapsed homes and high waters, according to officials. Witnesses say many of the casualties had been trapped in vehicles. Many cars had been swept away and city roads were flooded, blocking traffic.
The Saudi Arabian Civil Defence Authority reported that emergency crews managed to rescue over 900 people.
[edit] Sources
- "Saudi Arabia floods leave 77 dead" — BBC News Online, November 26, 2009
- "Worst Flood In 27 Years Kill 77 In Saudi Arabia" — RTT News, November 26, 2009
