RIYADH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Makkah Region has increased its readiness in response to severe weather warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology on Tuesday.

The center forecasted heavy rain accompanied by strong wind and thunder between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Tuesday.

The director of the SRCA’s Makkah branch Mustafa bin Jameel Baljoun said that the command and control center in the region, all emergency centers, and specialized response teams are fully prepared to handle the effects of heavy rainfall. He added that the ambulance service has not been affected by the weather conditions.

The SRCA has upped its readiness in 98 centers across Makkah, deploying teams of doctors, specialists, and emergency medicine ambulance technicians, Saudi Press Agency reported.

A total of 1,420 service providers are equipped to respond, supported by approximately 149 vehicles, including ambulances and disaster response vehicles. An air ambulance is also available to provide additional support, SPA added.

The SRCA urged citizens and residents to follow the instructions of the relevant authorities, exercise caution during bad weather, adhere to traffic safety rules, and avoid dangerous areas such as streams and rain pools. It encouraged people to report emergencies by calling 997.