King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has turned the last year's flood tragedy in Jeddah into a cause for joy and gratitude as many victims started receiving compensation for their loss of property and goods. Many of the residents of the flood-hit districts said that Saturday was not an ordinary day for them. After an ordeal of three months, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has returned smiles to their faces. They said that “Black Wednesday” was turned into a “White Saturday” because of the generosity and care of King Abdullah. “As is his custom, he rushed to help affected citizens and stood by them to alleviate their suffering and to punish the negligent parties,” said an aged Saudi who got the compensation check. Observers said that payment operations went smoothly and many people had bright smiles on their faces after receiving their checks. All of them prayed for the King, for his magnanimity and decisiveness. They all agreed that the compensation was large enough for the renovation of their houses and replacement of their damaged furniture. While waiting for their checks they did recall the sad moments they had experienced during the floods, but after receiving their compensation they forgot their ordeal. Muhammad Al-Muttairi, one of the victims who received his compensation check, said: “At this moment we should recall the generosity of the King who brought justice to every single victim whether a citizen or an expatriate. The amount has surpassed all my expectations,” he said. Hamdan Al-Zahrani, who lost all his possessions in the floods, said: “The King of Humanity has compensated me for every single item I had lost in the floods. Now we can go back to our homes and enjoy peace of mind.” He said he got a check for SR40,000. Aisha Al-Muttairi spoke with tears rolling down her cheeks: “I received a check of SR600,000. With this amount I will lead a dignified life without worries or concerns.” According to reports, the names of the people eligible for compensation will be announced daily in local newspapers. Authorities are prepared to handle up to 200 applicants a day. All claimants have been advised to present proper documentation. The owners of farms affected by the floods are required to produce original title deeds or a court-certified “Ownership Form No.10”, original identification papers and copies of these documents. Those seeking compensation for furniture, cattle pens, tents or fodder need only produce original identification documents and copies, according to officials. Owners of warehouses are required to produce original identification and copies plus warehouse licenses, while shop and fuel station owners need to produce lease contracts, commercial registers or shop licenses as well as original identification and copies. Owners of lost cars are required to present copies of vehicle Istimaras, show the name in which it is registered, plus original identification and copies. The heirs of persons who lost their lives in the floods are requested to produce original inheritance documents and copies or a certified proxy signed by the inheritors and a copy authorizing them to collect compensation on behalf of inheritors. Landlords of rented property are required to present valid lease contracts and reports stating the date when damage occurred, and original identification and copies. Female inheritors and owners of damaged houses, shops or vehicles are asked to arrive in the company of someone who can testify to their identity. The floods caused damage to 11,799 properties and 10,913 vehicles. Authorities have been wary of false claims and to punish anyone for criminal conduct. This comes after reports that there have been 7,000 fraudulent compensation claims in Bahra alone. A total of 3,100 families that received financial aid and accommodation at the beginning of the flood disaster are reportedly being investigated for failing to complete procedures verifying the validity of their claims.
