Authorities deny risk to publicJEDDAH: Despite reassurances from the Mayor's Office that leaks from the Al-Tawfeeq Dam do not pose a threat to the public, some nearby residents have abandoned their homes, fearing an occurrence similar to the recent breach of the Umm Al-Khair Dam. Abdullah Al-Jiddawi, head of the Civil Defense in Jeddah, however, said that a report by the dam construction company confirmed the structure's soundness. “Water has been removed from the west of the dam, and the Civil Defense and the construction company are continuing to monitor the dam,” he said. Local residents are not convinced, however. “I live about 500 meters away from the dam. There is groundwater appearing from between the walls of the dam,” said Hassan Al-Salami. “You can see leaks and cracks in the dam walls and that has increased people's fears.” He said that some local inhabitants had already decided to move out. “Some have moved away completely, others are living temporarily in furnished apartments. “They're scared that what happened in Umm Al-Khair will happen here,” he said. Umm Al-Khair Dam partially broke during the recent heavy rains, flooding houses and stress. “We've reported the situation numerous times to the mayoralty, but officials have played it down saying the dam is safe and poses no threat at all,” Al-Salami said. He said that the local population wants the water level lowered and the dam ultimately removed from the site. “They're asking for a flood channel to be built between the mountains which are about eight kilometers away from the district,” Al
