RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) – Heavy rain following a severe storm flooded the streets of Saudi capital Riyadh on Wednesday (April 13) causing long traffic jams and shutting schools and businesses in the kingdom.
Riyadh, a desert city in the centre of the country, rarely experiences rainfall. The rare storm on Tuesday (April 12) sparked heavy rains which pounded the city for several hours. The rain subsided on Wednesday morning but many of the city’s streets and alleyways remained under water.
Broken-down vehicles caused long traffic delays and many businesses were closed.
Emergency services advised residents to stay indoors and the Ministry of Education said all schools would remain closed on Wednesday.
No casualties were reported and the damage caused by the flooding remains to be determined.