The General Directorate of Civil Defense issued urgent warnings to citizens and residents in the Eastern Province, urging them to exercise extreme caution in response to the unstable weather conditions affecting the region. This swift action followed the issuance of a "red alert" by the National Center of Meteorology, indicating forecasts of heavy rainfall that could lead to flash floods across large parts of the region.
Details of warnings and preventive measures
The Civil Defense, through its official social media accounts, stressed the importance of strictly adhering to the announced guidelines to protect lives and property. These guidelines included the necessity of immediately staying away from areas where water accumulates, and not venturing across valleys or approaching dams during rainfall, as these areas pose a serious and immediate danger during periods of heavy rain.
The relevant authorities also noted the need to follow the latest weather updates through official channels and early warning applications, in order to avoid areas that may experience high rainfall or a lack of horizontal visibility.
The implications of a "red alert" and the importance of responding
The issuance of a "red alert" by the National Center of Meteorology is a significant indicator that necessitates heightened preparedness. This alert is typically used when severe weather phenomena are expected, including very heavy rainfall, strong winds causing dust storms, and hail, which could directly impact daily life and traffic. These warnings are part of the integrated efforts between the Meteorology Department and Civil Defense to ensure everyone's safety and minimize the risks posed by potential natural disasters.
Safety guidelines during weather fluctuations
In a related context, the relevant authorities have provided a set of golden tips for dealing with these conditions, which include:
- Avoid low-lying areas: as they are prone to the accumulation of rainwater and flash floods that can be carried quickly and suddenly.
- Beware of lightning strikes: It is advised to stay indoors, close windows, stay away from open areas, and not use electrical devices or mobile phones outdoors during thunderstorms.
- Safe driving: Leave a safe distance between vehicles, reduce speed, and avoid driving on flooded roads to ensure that the vehicle does not stall or get swept away.
Seasonal context of rainfall in the Kingdom
During this time of year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly the Eastern Province, experiences seasonal weather fluctuations characterized by instability. These rains are part of a normal weather pattern that may be accompanied by a drop in temperatures and increased surface wind activity. These warnings are of utmost importance due to the geographical nature of some areas, which can lead to rapid flash flooding in valleys and streams. Therefore, everyone must be responsible and adhere to public safety guidelines until the rainy weather subsides.
