Once again heavy rains lashed Jeddah on Tuesday exposing the vulnerability of the city’s infrastructure. Within minutes most, if not all, roads in Jeddah were turned into large swimming pools making it almost impossible for vehicles and pedestrians to negotiate their way through the inundated streets.

We were not expecting this outcome after the 2009 fiasco. Jeddah continues to remain without a proper drainage network. In the wake of 2009 floods, efforts should have been made on a war footing to prevent a similar situation. It was really surprising to note that even major streets of the city were heavily inundated forcing people to stay indoors. Jeddah is a huge city of international significance. Authorities should take measures to make it one of the most well-planned cities of the world.

Tariq Khaleeq

Jeddah