Guest
A powerful storm struck Mecca late last night, unleashing strong winds and heavy rains around the Grand Mosque, which houses Islam’s holiest site, the Kaaba. The storm caught many by surprise, as worshippers gathered for evening prayers. Videos shared on social media showed the storm’s ferocity, with gusts of wind swirling debris around the vast courtyard of the mosque, while rain poured down in torrents. The Kaaba, a cuboid structure covered in a black cloth, stands at the centre of the mosque and is the focal point of Islamic pilgrimage, drawing millions of Muslims annually. Despite the storm’s intensity, the sacred black cloth (Kiswah) covering the Kaaba remained largely intact, though it billowed dramatically in the strong wind, creating a rare and awe-inspiring sight for those present. The storm hit at a time when Mecca is still witnessing a steady stream of pilgrims, following the recent Hajj season. Although the worst of the storm only lasted for a short period, the weather caused a temporary disruption to prayers and circulation around the Kaaba, with some worshippers seeking shelter within the mosque’s colonnades. However, there were no immediate reports of significant damage to the Grand Mosque or injuries to the pilgrims. Saudi Arabia’s meteorological authorities had warned earlier in the week of potential thunderstorms in the western region, including Mecca. The Saudi government has invested heavily in infrastructure and drainage systems around the Grand Mosque in recent years, aimed at minimising the impact of such events, as Mecca is prone to sudden storms due to its desert climate. In response to the storm, teams of workers were quickly deployed to clean and restore the mosque’s courtyards and surrounding areas, ensuring that prayers could continue as scheduled. The Grand Mosque is equipped with a 24-hour cleaning service, which played a crucial role in swiftly managing the aftermath of the storm.
