Update: 17 February 2017
A train derailed near Dammam, capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, on Friday 17 February after flooding from heavy rains damaged the railway line Saudi Railways Organization said in a statement. At least 18 people were injured.
A #Saudi train derailed near the eastern city of Dammam on Friday, injuring 18 people,after #flooding from heavy rains. #Flood #SaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/MqxN9xnhvN
— Syeda Bushra Aamir (@BushraAamir) February 18, 2017
Original Report: 15 February 2017
The Saudi Directorate of Civil Defense (SDCD) reports that 1 person has died and at least 10 were injured after severe flooding hit the country’s Asir region on Wednesday, 15 February 2017.
SDCD also says that searches are ongoing in Abha for several people that are believed to be missing in the floods.
The heavy rain began to fall on 14 February. The worst hit areas were around the southern cities of Abha and Khamis Mushayt. Flooding caused road closures and cars were left trapped, submerged in the streets. A tunnel in the city of Khamis Mushayt was completely flooded and left 4 people trapped in their vehicle. All four were rescued.
Emergency crews responded to a total of 914 calls for assistance. Many of the 280 rescued were in vehicles at the time.
Schools have been closed as a result of the severe weather.
3 Months of Rain in 24 Hours
SDCD says the heavy rain began to fall on Tuesday, 14 February and some vehicles, including a school bus, were trapped in fast flowing water.
According to WMO figures, Khamis Mushayt recorded 63 mm of rain in 24 hours to 15 February.
Abha recorded 90 mm during the same period, which is roughly the equivalent of the averages for January, February and March combined. During an average February the city would see around 21.5 mm and 45.5 mm in March, according to WMO.
Social Media
مدني #أبها يواصل البحث عن مفقود جرفته السيول يوم أمس بأحد الأحياء في المنطقة. pic.twitter.com/XlF9j9iFe4
— الدفاع المدني (@SaudiDCD) February 15, 2017
ثمّة تهور عابر قد يفقدكم أرواحكم. #ماذا_بعد pic.twitter.com/tyFKG0Zb25
— الدفاع المدني (@SaudiDCD) February 15, 2017
Flood Summary
Locations
B - Abha
C - Khamis Mushayt
Magnitude
Khamis Mushayt - February 14 to February 15, 2017
Abha - February 14 to February 15, 2017
Damages
Asir Region - February 15 to February 19, 2017
Asir Region - February 15 to February 19, 2017
Asir Region - February 15 to February 19, 2017
Dammam - February 18 to February 18, 2017
18 injured when train derailed
