A technical team has already inspected the dam and ruled out that it will collapse,” one source told Arab News. At present, water levels at the dam have declined considerably but a new wave of rains could lead to it overflowing.

People are afraid that the dam’s collapse could inundate many residential districts along Palestine Street and Tahlia Street.

Saudi schools have suspended classes for two weeks in expectation of more rains. The International Indian School, Jeddah (IISJ) would remain closed throughout the week. “IISJ will remain closed till Jan. 31 for classes IX-XII and till Feb. 2 for KG to Class VIII for maintenance work,” said Syed Masood Ahmed, the school principal.

A number of other foreign schools have also canceled classes in the coming days.

Buds and Blossoms International School said it would close this week for maintenance and would reopen on Saturday. Dauha Al-Uloom International School and Al-Waha International School said they would remain closed on Sunday.