An old vacant building that collapsed in Suhaifa District here early morning on Friday sent a ripple of uneasiness across other old neighborhoods in the city. Meanwhile, Jeddah Mayoralty warned that 2,500 other buildings are on the verge of collapse following Wednesday night's rain-borne floods. Ayed Al-Abduallah, assistant deputy for safety and emergency at the mayoralty, said the foundations of old buildings have been undermined by saturation from floodwater and unknown contaminants for four days. The situation is aggravated by the current deteriorated state of the buildings, said Al-Abduallah, who is an engineer. Over the past few days, the mayoralty has determined that at least 2,500 old buildings need either complete restoration or immediate evacuation. An emergency plan is in place in case of any unforeseen collapse, he said. The mayoralty is surveying old buildings across the city, he said. The mayoralty has called on Jeddah residents to report any buildings with cracks or potential hazards to their toll free number 940. – Okaz/SG __
