Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
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Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology warned on Friday of heavy rains in Makkah and Al-Jumum Governorate including the centers of Rahat and Madrakah.

The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, lack of horizontal visibility, hail, torrents, and thunderstorms.

It said the weather conditions will continue until Friday night.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in cooperation with other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, intensified cleaning and drying of the Mataf area (circumambulation track) after the rainfall witnessed in Makkah on Thursday to ensure the safety and security of worshippers and Umrah performers.

The authority mobilized more than 200 supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and more than 500 pieces of equipment to deal with the rain.

To ensure the thoroughness of the cleaning process, water suction and washing equipment were strategically distributed both inside and outside the Grand Mosque.



Albudaiwi, Pedersen Discuss Means of Preserving Syria's Unity, Security

The Syrian flag is flown at half-mast in Damascus on May 20, 2024 (AFP)
The Syrian flag is flown at half-mast in Damascus on May 20, 2024 (AFP)
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Albudaiwi, Pedersen Discuss Means of Preserving Syria's Unity, Security

The Syrian flag is flown at half-mast in Damascus on May 20, 2024 (AFP)
The Syrian flag is flown at half-mast in Damascus on May 20, 2024 (AFP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi held a phone call with GCC Secretary General and UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen.

During the call, the two sides stressed that the GCC countries support all efforts aimed at preserving Syria's unity, sovereignty, and security, and stand with the Syrian people.
According to SPA, they also discussed regional and international efforts aimed at preserving Syria's unity, sovereignty, and security, as well as the latest developments in the region and ways to boost cooperation.
Albudaiwi stressed that the GCC countries support all endeavors that help achieve stability, prosperity, and security for the Syrian people, and the importance of solidarity, on the part of the international community, in supporting efforts to achieve a comprehensive solution to the Syrian crisis that respects Syria's unity and sovereignty, and contributes to building a better future for Syria and its people.