ABHA, 13 January — Heavy thunderstorms lashed the Southern Region for the second day yesterday, bringing relief to farmers worried over this year’s protracted drought. The weather has been chilly and the skies have been overcast for over a week.
The rain started on Friday morning and continued until late yesterday, causing floods in Abha, Khamis Mushayt and the surrounding areas, as well as in Jizan, and bringing temperatures down.
Cars were moving slowly with their hazard lights blinking. Many accidents were reported from various parts of the region due to poor visibility.
In Bisha, several girls could not take their exams because the school bus carrying them broke down in rainwater.
Six intermediate schools in Taif’s Bani Malik area postponed examinations when heavy rains blocked roads, reports said.
According to another report, several teachers were forced to walk all the way to their school on the day of the examination because rocks and trees uprooted by strong winds were blocking the streets.
Meanwhile, the director general of education in the Eastern Province warned school authorities not to send out students after classes if there is any likelihood of rain and flashfloods, according to Al-Madinah newspaper yesterday.
Students should be allowed to go home only after making sure that the weather is safe. Parents also should be vigilant about the situation. The children should be warned against swimming in pools formed by stagnant water, and crossing ravines, streams and flooded areas.
Motorists are also cautioned against driving along submerged streets.
