“We are expecting the king to take some strong decisions and change the situation in Jeddah after going through the report,” residents told Arab News. Authorities have already detained some officials and businessmen directly linked to the catastrophe.

However, victims fear under-the-table deals will enable culprits to escape punishment, and are calling for a public trial of those involved in the catastrophe to serve as a deterrent to others. Flood victim Hamid Al-Johani said he wants those responsible to go on trial and that they should be heavily punished. “They have caused the deaths of over 150 people including Saudis and expatriates.” He said the relatives of those who died in the floods want to take legal action against those responsible.

Saleh Al-Motairy said he expects the king to take a quick decision in favor of citizens who suffered as a result of the floods. Muhammad Al-Harbi spoke about the impact of the floods saying it has caused untold miseries to many people. “Many of them lost their bread earners,” he said, adding that he blames corruption in government departments for the catastrophe.

Moghli Al-Baqaili also expects the king will take strong action against those responsible. “The culprits should be imprisoned and their names published in newspapers,” he said. Mukhlad Al-Otaibi and Misfar Al-Hazmi urged the government to take action against corrupt officials.