Riyadh: Unexpected Rains Disrupt Normal Life
News & Pics by P A Abdul Hameed
Daijiworld Media Network—Riyadh (CN)
Riyadh, Nov 4: After a hot burning summer, winter is knocking at the doors of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing with it unexpected, heavy, rainfall, in the capital city. There have also been reports of rain in other parts of the Kingdom, especially Hafer Al Batin, where rain caused massive disturbances and tight spots, as well as light rain in Dammam, and Al Hassa, which come under the purview of the Eastern Province.
The rains on Monday November 3, created havoc in the city with roads in most areas turning waterlogged. This caused traffic jams for hours together, stranding the commuters. The slippery roads have also caused a few accidents on the highways en route the international airport, Olaya, and other parts of Riyadh.
On the morning of Tuesday November 4, water was being pumped out by the municipality authorities, in an effort to clear the rainwater off the roads. The southern parts of the city, particularly Al-Suweidy district was the worst-affected and remained cut-off from other parts of the district and the city centre.
Despite all these problems, a few people were also found enjoying the cool, welcome, rains. Over the past couple of days, there was a pleasant breeze going around, which is considered to herald the arrival of winter in the country. If winter starts now, it would be considered premature.