Jeddah floods spotlight drainage network

Authorities in Saudi Arabia’s port city of Jeddah will reassess all drainage facilities in the city that was hit by heavy rains resulting in crippling floods last week, according to a local official.

“All projects related to rainwater drains will be subject to evaluation by the Jeddah Mayoralty,” spokesman for the city Mohammad Al Baqmi told Okaz newspaper.

Torrential rains caused flash floods in Jeddah on Thursday, prompting closure of schools, delaying flights hampering traffic and stranding cars, bringing back to memory massive, deadly flooding that battered the city in 2009.