The northwestern Saudi city of Hail faces a severe flood threat from four valleys in the region, a recent study found.

The study was conducted by Abdulaziz Al-Marmash Al-Shammari, a scientist and astronomer from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and supervisor of the Astronomy Forum.

He called on the government to take immediate action to avert a potential disaster in the area. The valleys under threat include Al-Adree’, Nqaibein, Aqdah and Mashar in the Ajja Mountain area.

The study was completed in cooperation with the Saudi Geological Survey and the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME). It found that the city had not considered potential flooding from the valleys in its residential housing plans over the last 30 years.

He said these housing schemes do not conform to Royal Decree No. 151, which states in paragraph three that studies should be conducted in areas exposed to flooding. He said the municipality did not inquire about the danger posed by these valleys.

Al-Shammari said Aqdah Valley was previously flooded when over 120 mm of rain fell and combined with water flowing from Al-Adree’ Valley. The valley is surrounded by residential neighborhoods.

Abdullah Al-Inizi and Mohammad Al-Omari, residents of the area, said there was an increased risk because of the recent rainfall in the area. They said Al-Buhairah neighborhood was particularly vulnerable and called on city authorities to move residents to another area. They said the neighborhood should be demolished.

Faheed Al-Mutalq, spokesman for Hail's Municipality, said officials have launched a study to construct storm water drains in the city. The Ministry of Finance has allocated SR870 million to the municipality for its flood protection program.