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The National Meteorology Center said it expects “moderate to severe thunderstorms to continue, bringing heavy rain accompanied by downpours with hail and strong winds that kick up dust and sand, limiting horizontal visibility in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah and Medina regions.“ Videos posted on social media show pilgrims struggling to get around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque amid strong winds, with some having to dodge separation barriers that have been blown around by the wind. In recent days, Mecca, one of the holiest cities in Saudi Arabia, has been hit by severe flooding. Heavy rainfall has caused streets and buildings to be submerged, leaving many residents and visitors stranded. The flooding has been particularly challenging for those on pilgrimage to Mecca, as the city is currently experiencing the holy month of Ramadan. Pilgrims have been forced to wade through waist-deep water to reach the Grand Mosque, which is the focal point of their religious journey. The flooding has also disrupted travel to and from Mecca, a major pilgrimage site for Muslims. The Grand Mosque, which surrounds the Kaaba - the holiest site in Islam - has also been affected, with some parts of the courtyard inundated with water. The Saudi Arabian government has assured pilgrims that measures have been taken to ensure their safety and that the situation is under control. Saudi authorities have been working to alleviate the impact of the flooding, with emergency crews dispatched to affected areas to provide assistance. However, the scale of the damage is significant, with cars and other vehicles swept away in the deluge.
