A powerful sandstorm hit Hail on Wednesday night causing widespread damage to private and public buildings in the city including power outages, delayed flights, road closures, fallen trees, and the collapse of a wall at King Khaled Hospital.

After the female section of Hail University in Aja was closed down following the collapse of some buildings, several parents claimed that the Civil Defense and Presidency of Meteorology and Environment sent out warnings late. Many claimed they were not informed about the closure of schools.

Ibrahim Al-Junaidi, spokesman of the Department of Education in Hail, said no notices were received from schools that they would close. Classes could only be suspended under specific circumstances, he said.

However, Abdulrahman Al-Duwaisi, the parent of a Hail University student, said the university canceled classes on Thursday after some buildings collapsed in the courtyard on the female side. He said the university instructed guards to inform parents and students about cancelations.

Col. Nafea Al-Harbi, spokesman of the Civil Defense in Hail, issued a press statement refuting reports of deaths or injuries caused by the sandstorm. He said rescue teams dealt with 23 cases of fallen trees and metal roofing of houses coming into contact with power lines.

Mohammed Al-Tayar, spokesman of the Hail Red Crescent, said a plan has been put in place to deal with the aftermath of the sandstorm in the region. He said 37 reports were received between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.