Heavy rain and floods hit Islam’s holy city of Makkah on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Heavy winds and storms made it difficult for Muslim worshippers to pray. The pilgrims rushed for shelter as the strong winds nearly blew them away.
Highlights:
- Holy City, Makkah, and neighboring regions are under red alert as the unstable condition continues to prevail.
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Authorities urge residents to take extra precautions.
- Storms and heavy rain will continue to hit the Makkah region until Thursday.
- Authorities in the holy city ordered schools to remain closed on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, social media burst with videos showing pilgrims taking refuge from a heavy rainstorm overnight. The deluge of rain caused harm to both properties and cars. It was reported that some of the city’s main roads were shut down due to the extreme weather conditions.
“On Tuesday evening, Makkah Al Mukarramah and its neighboring parts witnessed heavy storms and thunderstorms,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Instagram videos revealed how pilgrims struggled with the gusting winds that battered the holy city. As the storm raged, people on the streets urgently ran for shelter, seeking refuge from the fierce elements. Simultaneously, the dedicated staff of the Holy Mosque struggled to maintain their footing. Nearby garbage cans were forcefully blown away by the tempestuous gusts.
A bolt of lightning illuminated the night sky as it struck the iconic Makkah Clock Royal Tower hotel.
Reports indicate that the storm brought gale-force winds exceeding 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour.
The resident reported:
“Everything went black in front of me” as the storm approached—Mecca resident Abu Mayyada
Suddenly, I lost control over the vehicle. I couldn’t see anything, so I started listening to the Quran on the radio. I didn’t understand what was happening,” he added.
The situation appeared to be similar to that of 2015, when a crane at the Holy Mosque fell over, killing more than 100 people and injuring hundreds more. However, the extreme weather conditions on Tuesday reported no serious injuries.
Further Warning of Storm to Bring Rain, Wind, and Thunder to the Makkah
Safety precautions in parts of Makkah dictate the closure of schools, with classes being conducted online.
Stay safe and stay informed during extreme weather conditions. Remember to help those in need.