RIYADH: Unprecedented rains in several parts of the Kingdom on Tuesday resulted in accidents that caused deaths and injuries and damage to property.

Madinah topped the affected cities due to incessant rains. The holy city reported three deaths and 40 injuries due to 20 road accidents in a period of 12 hours after the rains commenced at 7 a.m.

Madinah region Red Crescent spokesman Khaled bin Mosaed Al-Sahli said the heavy rainfall and floods in Madinah resulted in a number of traffic accidents and collisions.

Al-Hijra Highway saw the largest number of accidents, followed by the Yanbu Highway, Al-Qassim Highway, roads inside Madinah, Al-Mahd road (Gharab) and the Tabuk Highway.

“Accidents occurring on Al-Hijra Highway (Madinah-Makkah) alone resulted in one death and two serious injuries, as well as three other less critical injuries.”

Abha witnessed the collapse of a bridge which was under construction closing the Riyadh-Abha road and King Abdullah Road toward Rafidah. The traffic department warned motorists not to use these roads and follow instructions from the traffic department.

Most streets in Khamis Mushayt were inundated, immobilizing vehicles on the streets. People who were concerned over stagnant water in several areas sought assistance from authorities to ease the situation.

In Arrar the vehicular traffic came to a standstill due to rains.

An official from the Saudi Wildlife Authority told Arab News that the rains are ideal for good plant cover.