Ahmad Abdullah Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Makkah governorate said in a statement on Tuesday that Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of the region, had been constantly following up the situation in Wadi Tamaya in the Rabigh area in the aftermath of the floods that hit the valley, leaving at least 10 people dead. Prince Khaled said he had issued directives to the Rabigh governor to provide all necessary assistance to the victims of flood. Heavy rains lashed the region on Sunday night. Ten people were washed away while they were trying to cross the valley, some 35 km east of Rabigh city, during the rains. Taha Mbaireek, Governor of Rabigh, conveyed the Emir's condolences to the bereaved families. He prayed to Allah to bestow His mercy on the dead and grant patience to their families. The governor confirmed to the citizens that the Emir of Makkah was following up moment by moment the situation since the rainfall. He said that the Emir issued directives to facilitate matters for all those affected by the rains and provide them with all necessary services, including medical treatment. Five of the dead were from the same family. A couple and their three children drowned when the car they were traveling was swept away by flash floods. A young man, his mother and aunt drowned while two children with them were rescued from their floating car. Two brave youths saved more than 30 people from drowning before one of them was swept away in the flash floods. The two youths were riding a water tanker when the vehicle overturned. Col. Saeed Sarhan, Makkah Civil Defense Directorate spokesman, said rescue teams searched for victims all night long and were able to recover all bodies by Monday afternoon.
