Severe Flooding Hits Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia

Severe flooding has struck Mecca and surrounding areas, including Jeddah and Medina, following heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The Saudi Press Agency reported that streets have transformed into rivers, with cars and buses being swept away, prompting rescue operations where men formed human chains to save trapped individuals. The Saudi Meteorological Department issued a red alert for the affected regions, warning of continued heavy rains until January 10. Local residents are evacuating or seeking shelter, while many have abandoned their vehicles in the rapidly rising waters. This flooding follows earlier record-breaking rainfall in Gulf states and highlights ongoing concerns about inadequate drainage systems in Saudi cities. Meanwhile, a separate earthquake in Tibet has caused additional devastation, with a reported death toll of nearly 100.