Among those killed, seven were in Riyadh region, two in the city of Araar, one in Al-Gunfuza and one in Al-Baha, according to a statement by the Saudi Press Agency.
The statement also highlighted that Civil Defense squads successfully rescued 448 citizens and expatriates from rains and floods that down poured on all parts of Saudi Arabia this week.
A spokesman of the Civil Defense said his department has received 6,800 distress calls from people stranded or businesses damaged by the flooding. He said the Civil Defense also retrieved 309 vehicles that were trapped underneath strong floods.
Casualties and damage have been attributed to the poor infrastructure, especially the drainage system, according to local newspapers.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh recommended in a recent study the establishment of an infrastructure ministry to deal with the issue of heavy rains.
The ministry will coordinate infrastructure projects across the oil-rich kingdom and will also set standards for the projects to prevent the collapsing of bridges or damage to the drainage systems and roads.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
