RIYADH: In view of the anticipated rains, citizens and visitors to Makkah have been advised to stay away from streams and pools of water.

“We have deployed our emergency teams in all strategic places where rainwater is likely to stagnate and cause inconveniences to motorists and people,” said Brig. Ahmed Duluubi, chief of the Civil Defense in Makkah.

He added that the Civil Defense has made all preparatory arrangements for any emergencies based on the weather reports issued by the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME).

The PME predicted possibilities of rain accompanied by thunderstorms in regions such as Najran, Jazan, Asir and Baha, which could extend to Makkah and some parts of the coastal areas of the Kingdom. According to the forecast, the weather is very hot during the afternoon in the east and central part of the Kingdom and coastal parts of the Madinah district.

Last year, floods caused by torrential rain swept through parts of Makkah and Hail killing two people and injuring several others. The inclement weather also caused power cuts and damaged hundreds of cars across Makkah neighborhoods.

Thousands of Umrah pilgrims were stranded inside the Grand Mosque after Maghrib, many only able to reach their accommodations after midnight, according to eyewitnesses. Worshippers prayed Isha in the heavy rain. During the floods in Makkah, an African expatriate died in Mansour district when a tree fell on him.