Heavy Flooding Hits Mecca Amid Torrential Rains

Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has experienced severe flooding following torrential rains that began on Monday, with entire neighborhoods submerged and rescue operations underway. The National Meteorological Center (NCM) reported that Medina received the highest rainfall of 49.2 mm, while Jeddah and other cities also faced significant downpours, leading to road blockages and damaged infrastructure. The NCM has issued red alerts and warned of continued rain, affecting areas including Riyadh, while urging residents to adhere to safety guidelines. This extreme weather event highlights the vulnerability of the region's underdeveloped drainage systems, particularly in cities like Jeddah, which has a history of severe flooding incidents. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the impact of climate change on future weather patterns, potentially affecting pilgrimage travel. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as more rain is expected throughout the week.