Rare floods hit Mecca as extreme weather grips Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s holiest city, Mecca, has been inundated by extreme rainfall, causing widespread flooding and disruption. Videos circulating on social media show entire neighborhoods submerged, with residents scrambling to navigate the deluge.

Dramatic Rescues in Flood-Hit Neighborhoods

In the Al-Awali district, southeast of Mecca, residents formed human chains to rescue children trapped by rising waters. Another viral video captured a man rushing to assist a delivery driver who had been knocked off his bike by the surging floodwaters.

Roads throughout the city were transformed into rivers, with multiple cars and even a tourist bus abandoned as water levels rose rapidly. Footage also showed trees and debris being swept away by the powerful currents.

Pilgrim Cities Mecca and Madinah Among Hardest Hit

The unprecedented rain has affected several regions across Saudi Arabia, including Mecca and Madinah—cities that draw millions of pilgrims each year for Hajj. As the downpour intensified through the day, reports indicated that other regions, such as Riyadh, Al-Baha, and Tabuk, were also bracing for the impact of the severe weather.

Warnings Issued Amid Unusual Downpour

The National Meteorological Center (NMC) has issued multiple yellow warnings, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and dust storms across the Kingdom. Local media reports suggest the rare rainfall could continue until Wednesday, with authorities urging caution as conditions remain unpredictable.

As Saudi Arabia grapples with this freak weather event, efforts are underway to manage the flooding and assist affected residents.