JEDDAH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense in the Riyadh region called on the public to be careful and to take precautionary measures after moderate to heavy rainfall was predicted in the region, starting from Saturday.
The directorate urged people in the region not to go out in heavy rainfall unless necessary, to take extra care whilst driving in the rain, and to stay out of floodwater.
Civil Defense teams in Tabuk rescued 49 people stranded in valleys after heavy rains caused flooding on Thursday.
With the help of the King Faisal Air Base, 41 people were rescued in Al-Saro, Um-Barira and Shaqiri valleys in Tabuk and eight others were rescued in the Affal Valley in Bidaa. One person died in Bidaa as a result of the floods.
“Thanks to the readiness of the team in terms of plans, rapid response and deployment in areas affected by floods, the Civil Defense was able to successfully undertake the rescue operations,” said Maj. Abdul Aziz Al-Shammari, a Civil Defense spokesman in Tabuk.
He called on all citizens and residents to abide by the instructions of the Civil Defense, and to abstain from going to valleys and places facing flood threats.
Saudi Civil Defense warns of heavy rainfall in Riyadh region
Saudi Civil Defense warns of heavy rainfall in Riyadh region
- One person died in Bidaa as a result of the floods
Sustainability in focus as Madinah marks World Soil Day
MADINAH: Madinah joined the world in celebrating World Soil Day on Dec. 5, highlighting the importance of soil conservation for food security and ecosystems, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The day holds added significance in Madinah due to its rich agricultural history, diverse soil types — from clay to sand and volcanic Harrat — and its longstanding connection to date production.
The region’s soil faces challenges, notably salinization from imbalanced irrigation and climate change, the SPA added.
Authorities are addressing this through soil protection programs, improved irrigation techniques and sustainable agricultural practices.
Soil plays a vital role in water purification, acting as a natural filter. As winter begins, it is an opportune time to prepare soil for spring, expanding crop cultivation and harvest, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Madinah is implementing initiatives to enhance resource efficiency, raise farmer awarenes and combat desertification. Farmers contribute by using organic fertilization and recycling agricultural waste.
World Soil Day highlights the need for collaboration between government agencies, farmers and stakeholders to ensure soil sustainability, preserve agricultural heritage and support Vision 2030’s sustainable development goals.
Approved by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2013, World Soil Day aims to raise awareness of soil’s critical role in healthy ecosystems and human well-being.
