Jeddah authorities have started pumping water from streets in the city, promising to make all thoroughfares passable within 48 hours. Main streets are expected to be cleared of water following Wednesday night's heavy rains within 24 hours, with side streets being given a deadline of 48 hours and open areas 72. The clearing of water will use the drainage network where available and water tankers and pumps. Work started immediately after the cessation of rain, with Operations Room members in position having identified areas of severity and assigned available pumping trucks and water tankers. Traffic ground to a halt in some areas as automobile failures due to saturation from water in the streets along some arteries and security patrols and traffic police deployed dozens of security men to help owners of stalled vehicles. The streets of Prince Majed, Al-Makarona, Al-Sitteen, Al-Television and Zeinal, as well as Al-Falak Square and King Abdullah Bridge, all failed to cope with the volume of water rushing toward their recently installed modern drainage networks. Jeddah residents expressed fears of roads caving in due to recent asphalting following drainage works, and also pointed out the dangers of potholes made invisible to motorists. The 48-hour plan was set into motion on Thursday morning, but meteorological reports expect rains to continue on Friday. – Okaz/SG __
