The truth about Riyadh flooding: Meteorology clarifies details of the rainfall and the circulating videos
The official spokesman for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, settled the controversy surrounding the rainy weather that the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and its surroundings witnessed during the past hours, denying the validity of the video clips circulating that promote the flooding of some neighborhoods and streets.
Al-Qahtani explained in official statements that the weather conditions that affected the city of Riyadh yesterday were mostly “dry rains,” which is a type of rain characterized by continuity and moderate rainfall that waters the land without causing flash floods in most cases. He pointed out that the conditions included periods of moderate to heavy rainfall in specific geographical areas, in addition to hail falling during the evening period, which is normal at this time of year.
Details of recorded rainfall amounts
Based on accurate data from the center's monitoring stations, the official spokesperson revealed that the highest rainfall recorded within the urban area of Riyadh was 12 mm, an amount considered normal and not cause for alarm. In contrast, the King Khalid Reserve (north of Riyadh) recorded higher amounts, reaching 24 mm, which bodes well for a good spring season for wilderness areas and nature reserves, as this steady rainfall contributes to vegetation growth and replenishes water reserves.
The phenomenon of fabricated videos and its impact
In a related context, Al-Qahtani warned against the phenomenon of repeatedly sharing old videos or videos filmed in other geographical areas and attributing them to the current event. He emphasized that the images circulating on social media platforms showing complete flooding of some areas bear no relation to reality and do not reflect the actual rainfall experienced in Riyadh. This phenomenon is one of the challenges facing official authorities during weather events, as it causes unnecessary panic and anxiety among residents.
The importance of obtaining information from official sources
The National Center of Meteorology stressed the importance of adhering to social responsibility and verifying information before publishing or sharing any weather-related information. The official spokesperson urged everyone to rely exclusively on the center's official channels and smart applications, as well as to follow Civil Defense alerts, to ensure access to accurate and up-to-date information, thus protecting public awareness and safety, and avoiding legal repercussions for spreading rumors.
