There is a general sense of helplessness among companies, employees and families affected by the floods. However, recent reports of reimbursement for companies have baffled victims.
The Bani Malik area in Jeddah received physical aid from the government and volunteers. There has been no report of any family receiving monetary compensation for their loss of property or goods.
Asma, a Philippine national in the area, told Arab News: "Our electronic appliances, carpets and furniture were swept away by the floods and no government official has offered any monetary compensation. There were young volunteers who donated food and basic utility items and a few government officials provided us with blankets and home supplies too. But we have lost a lot of money and our property holds no value. We are waiting for help."
Asghar, a Pakistani laborer, said: "The families were provided with basic amenities whereas we got nothing of that sort, money aid is probably a nonexistent factor for bachelors and single men who have families abroad, as we were denied our basic rights."
Asad, an employee at a giant multinational company, told Arab News: "We started work on Sunday almost two weeks after the flood, because there was no electricity until then. This will definitely impact our overall employee performance and add costs in terms of the delay."
The company has provided its employees with rented cars, as the underground car park still remains flooded.
"No one has bothered to pump out the water and I cannot afford to delay production even if that means we pay from our pockets, because there is little hope from the government," a manager at the company added.
However, there have been positive reports circulating around Jeddah. An expat residential compound in Al Hamra district told Arab News two government inspectors came to assess the damage there.
"They asked for my driving license and iqama (residential permit). We have heard rumors that they will pay us each SR20,000 for our damaged cars and up to SR40,000 for our homes."
Al-Hamadah supermarket chain declared huge losses in property and stock. A Saudi newspaper published reports the company had received a government payout estimated at SR5 million for its losses.
According to Al-Madinah newspaper, however, the supermarket had asked for SR1 billion.
Officials at Al-Hamadah have refused to comment on the huge claim.
Another company, involved in supplying building materials, said it had incurred a loss of SR2 million.
A company official told Arab News: "Our inventory and warehouses near Kilo 19 were flooded. Our stock was ruined as water seeped into the building materials and our showroom was flooded. There should be a helpline or government intervention like there would be in other countries to help minimize business losses."
Ayaat, an employee at the company, called on the authorities to set up damage evaluation committees to enable proper and fair compensation for flood victims. "This committee should facilitate emergency and support companies with manpower and equipment and implement procedures to provide effective and direct aid," he said.
Ahmed from Jeddah's Al-Mahjar area, told Arab News: "The first flood (on Nov. 25, 2009) damaged my house and car. I received no compensation or financial aid from the authorities, and this year the flood hit us again and I am stuck in the same situation."
A Civil Defense official confirmed at least 4,553 houses and 4,591 cars were destroyed or damaged as a result of the Jan. 26 flood.
