Saudi floods death toll rises to 98. Extremely Heavy Rain in Saudi Arabia

Source: Reuters

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Nov 28 (Reuters) - The death toll from the heaviest rainfall to hit Saudi Arabia in years rose to 98 on Saturday as more bodies were recovered, with dozens more expected to be found, a rescue services spokesman said. The victims were drowned or were killed by collapsing bridges and in car crashes when floodwaters caused by the torrential rainfall ripped through the Red Sea port city of Jeddah on Wednesday. No pilgrims attending the annual Muslim haj pilgrimage 80 km (50 miles) away in Mecca were among the dead, officials have said. Jeddah is the main entry point to the kingdom for pilgrims. Hundreds had to be rescued after being stranded by the floods, with access to the city hampered after two bridges on the highway leading to Jeddah were destroyed. Newspapers have repeatedly reported on the poor condition of the sewerage infrastructure of the city, where many live in unauthorised developments built on dry riverbeds. About 1.6 million pilgrims have come to Saudi Arabia from abroad for the haj, the world's largest regular religious gathering. (Reporting by Souhail Karam; Writing by Raissa Kasolowsky) ((raissa.kasolowsky@thomsonreuters.com; Reuters Messaging: raissa.kasolowsky.reuters.com@reuters.net; +971 4 391 8031))

The incredible Autumn rainstorm brought extreme rainfall to Saudi Arabia. Rainfall from NASA TRMM website indicates rainfall around 100m over a large area of Saudi Arabia (mainly from Southern to Northern Saudi Arabia). The rainfall amounts probably exceeded 100m in some areas (see photos below). Rain also lashed Kuwait.
The rain was so heavy that it flooded many areas. Major cities affected include Makkah, Madina, Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Abha, Jizan, and Jedda. The rainstorm forced many people to evacuate and caused several accidents. Read more about the heavy rain event from World Futurs and Arabian Business. Suprisingly enough, one of the oldest valleys (Rumma Valley) in the Arabian Peninsula have started flowing due to the persistent heavy rain and it’s moving northward. This is our Arabia River resurrected.