Saudi Flood Death Toll Tops 88
Saudi Arabia collects at least 88 dead in oil induced climate change Q3 profits
At least 88 people have died in the heaviest flooding to hit Saudi Arabia in in living memory.
As Muslim pilgrims were casting stones at three concrete walls representing the devil on the third day of the annual hajj, torrential rains inundated the port city of Jeddah, where 80 mm of rain fell in just a few hours, forcing the closure of the main highway to Mecca, and stranding thousands of pilgrims on their way to the Muslims’ holy city.
[The pilgrims efforts might have been more meaningful had they cast their stones at a mock-up of an oil rig, a giant oil drum and effigy of an oil supertanker.]
Most of the deaths reportedly occurred in the shantytowns around Jeddah and along the main highway to Mecca, an area populated by poor immigrants who provide cheap labor and domestic help to the wealthy Saudis.
Most of the victims died from drowning, and a few others killed by mudslide, collapsing houses, falling bridges and in car collisions. About 1,000 others were rescued after being stranded in the floodwaters, the authorities said.
Streets of Jeddah flooded after 88mm of rain fell in just a few hours. Photo: AP. Image may be subject to copyright.
Jeddah Under Water. Source: SahilOnlie. Image may be subject to copyright.
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