RIYADH: In Riyadh, the temperature dipped to 16 degree Celsius on Wednesday noon and darkness enveloped the streets as the sky was overcast with thick clouds. Many low-lying areas and streets were flooded due to the heavy rain on Wednesday and intermittent showers continued throughout the day.

Exits 34 and 35 on the western ring road was closed due to stagnant water under the bridge. Eyewitnesses said cars were floating below the two underpasses.

About 10 cars were submerged under about two meters of water in a highway underpass in the Labban district on the capital’s western outskirts.

Municipal and Rural Affairs Minister Abdul Lateef Al-Asheikh, who visited the Command Center, which coordinates rains contingency plan, said all the bodies concerned are coordinating with the local bodies to prevent casualties and rescue people affected by the rain.

The Riyadh Traffic Department received 3,521 phone calls and 531 road accidents were reported and 25 people were injured, a spokesman of the department said. Traffic was diverted to avoid congestion because of the ongoing metro construction projects.

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority said that it operated an Advanced Response Team which helped ferry the victims to the nearest medical facilities.

Meanwhile, 297 nurses staying in three buildings at the King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Buraidah were evacuated.