Death toll in flash floods 24

The death toll in the flash floods that ravaged various provinces in the last two days has gone up to 24, and four men remain missing.
Civil Defense officials have urged people living close to the Aqiq Dam, where the water level has crossed the danger mark, not to panic. However, they should stay away from the dam and avoid getting close to surging waters.
“In view of the rapid rise in the water level and overflow in the Aqiq Dam, warning sirens have been sounded for people to take precautions,” said Lt. Col. Jamaan Al-Ghamdi, the Civil Defense spokesman in Baha province.
“People have been warned against crossing the valley ... There is a high possibility of they being stranded and their vehicles stuck,” he said.
“We urge all people living in villages close to the dam to pay attention to the warning signals and to stay away from the rising waters,” Al-Ghamdi said.
He said safety patrols have been beefed up to monitor the situation at all times.
According to latest reports, seven people perished at various places in the mountainous Taif governorate: Five died in Aqiq, three each in Al-Kharj and Aflaj, one each in Madinah, Hariq, Majama, Quwaiea, Bisha and Khamis Mushayt. One man is missing in Hail and search operations are in full swing in Baha for three missing workers.
Civil Defense Director General Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijeri stressed the importance of coordination between the departments that constitute the 18-member Council of Civil Defense to implement emergency plans to meet the flood situation. The plans include shelters for evacuees from flood-hit areas, helping them with food and health care.
Heavy rains were reported from Baha Province and the Turbah Governorate yesterday.
Hamid Al-Shamri, undersecretary at the Baha governor’s office, yesterday visited the Aqiq Dam and a number of villages affected by heavy rains.
He said Baha Gov. Prince Meshari bin Saud has issued orders for extensive effort to counter the situation with full cooperation from all government departments. He blamed the rising death toll on the negligence of the people in not following instructions from the Civil Defense.