Riyadh: Inclement weather in parts of the kingdom have caused flooding in some areas, prompting rescue operations by the Saudi Directorate for Civil Defence, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said on Saturday.
In Riyadh province, several roads were rendered inaccessible to vehicular traffic and authorities worked round the clock to get them cleared.
Rain showers with hail led to flooding in some valleys, roads and neighbourhoods, particularly in the governorates of Qawaiya, Al Kharj, Al Dulm and Shaqra.
Riyadh Civil Defence spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Al Hammadi said a number of people trapped in several areas had to be rescued.
He urged the public to be careful and to observe instructions and safety guidelines. He also called upon people to stay away from water-logged areas, electricity sources, valleys and flood waters, as well as to avoid open spaces near trees during lightning. Objects moving during strong winds also posed a risk, he added.
Civil Defence in Riyadh had taken all precautions and was ready to deal with heavy rains and floods, the SPA reported him as saying.
Heavy rain also fell in the western mountain region of Asir, the General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection said on Saturday.
The weather agency warned of thunderstorms actively associated with dust storms in Najran region, particularly in the governorates of Sharurah and Habuna and nearby places.
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