Saudi Arabia floods death toll rises to 98

2009-11-29 10:17 BJT

The death toll from heavy rains that has hit the port city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia has risen to 98. Local officials say it is the most rain fall to hit the region in years, and fear more bodies will be found.

Local media have reported on the poor conditions of the city's sewage infrastructure, where many live in unauthorized developments built on dry riverbeds. Access to Jeddah has been hampered after two bridges on a highway leading to the city were destroyed. In Jeddah and elsewhere, hundreds have been rescued after being stranded by the flood waters.

Traffic was disrupted by the heavy downpours in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia's civil defence said 77 people were killed in intense flooding in Jeddah and nearby areas, and that scores could still be missing.(AFP/SPA)
Traffic was disrupted by the heavy downpours in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia's
civil defence said 98 people were killed in intense flooding in Jeddah 
and nearby areas, and that scores could still be missing.(AFP/SPA)