Flash Flood Sweeps Away Vehicle In Wadi Leaving One Person Dead, Civil Defense Responds Near Mecca

Mecca, Saudi Arabia— A flash flood swept away a vehicle in a wadi Wednesday afternoon, leaving one person dead and prompting civil defense teams to warn drivers against crossing flooded valleys.

Civil Defense Directorate said the incident occurred at 4:20 p.m. in Wadi Numan northeast of Mecca. Heavy rain fell for 40 minutes in the highlands. Water surged down the dry riverbed without warning. A pickup attempting to cross was caught.

The vehicle, carrying one driver, was carried 500 meters downstream. It overturned and lodged against rocks. The driver, 34, was trapped inside as water rose to the roof. Witnesses filmed the surge but could not reach the vehicle.

Rescue teams from Mecca and Taif were dispatched with boats and heavy vehicles. They reached the site after 50 minutes due to submerged roads. Divers found the body inside the cabin at 6:10 p.m. The vehicle was winched out after water receded.

Colonel Mohammed Al-Qarni said the wadi had been closed since morning due to weather alerts. He said the driver ignored barriers and entered the crossing. He said flash floods in wadis can rise three meters in minutes even if rain falls far upstream.

Meteorology reported 22 millimeters of rain in the catchment area. The Presidency had issued a yellow alert for Mecca region at 2 p.m. Civil Defense had sent SMS warnings to residents near wadis. Many drivers still attempted crossings.

The victim was a resident of Mecca working as a delivery driver. His family was notified Wednesday evening. The vehicle was towed to the traffic impound. An inquest will examine circumstances.

Civil Defense said 18 vehicles were rescued from wadis across Mecca region Wednesday. One other injury was reported. Teams remain on alert as rain continues in the Sarawat mountains.

Authorities urged residents to avoid wadis during rain, check weather apps, and obey closure signs. The road through Wadi Numan remains closed pending inspection.