DAMMAM, 31 December — Fog continued to create chaos in the Eastern Province for the second day yesterday and the Traffic Department reported at least 38 road accidents on highways in the region due to poor visibility. There were also flight delays.
Although the visibility yesterday was not as limited as on Saturday, fog once again left traffic in disarray.
The worst affected road was the Jubail-Dammam Highway, where more than two dozen vehicles were involved in an accident. No one was seriously injured.
The Traffic Department has issued a warning to motorists that they should drive slowly with their hazard lights flashing.
The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) also announced delays in its departure and arrival schedule due to fog and subsequent poor visibility.
Many schools, which reopened yesterday after the Eid holidays, reported late arrival of students and teachers. Saudi Aramco employees also reported late for work, as roads leading to the company were jammed with traffic.
The weather department has said that extreme humidity was the prime reason for the fog. According to a report from the Meteorological and Environ-ment Protection Agency (MEPA), the maximum relative humidity registered yesterday was 95 percent, and the minimum 45 percent.
Fog is expected to cover the twin cities of Dammam and Alkhobar until the region experiences rain or the humidity level drops.
