Fireworks Light Saudi Arabia’s Skies on 93rd National Day

Fireworks lit up the skies of Saudi Arabia on the 93rd National Day. SPA
Fireworks lit up the skies of Saudi Arabia on the 93rd National Day. SPA
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Fireworks Light Saudi Arabia’s Skies on 93rd National Day

Fireworks lit up the skies of Saudi Arabia on the 93rd National Day. SPA
Fireworks lit up the skies of Saudi Arabia on the 93rd National Day. SPA

Fireworks lit up the skies of the Kingdom on the 93rd National Day, while millions of people gathered in squares and other locations throughout the country Saturday evening to enjoy shows organized by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).

Citizens and residents who had come together to witness the display of fireworks to mark the occasion could also enjoy a variety of other displays and events.

More than 15 locations were designated as places where people could watch these displays, including Boulevard Riyadh City in Riyadh, Art Promenade in Jeddah, King Abdullah Park in Dammam, Northern Khobar Corniche, King Abdullah Environmental Park in Al-Ahsa, and King Abdullah National Park in Buraydah.

Spectacular fireworks could also be watched in Abha from Al Sadd Park on Al Fan Street, in Madinah from King Fahd Central Park, in Hail from Al Salam Park, in Tabuk from Al Nazim Central Park, in Al Baha from Prince Hossam Park, in Sakaka from Amanat Al Jouf Park, in Jazan from the Corniche Road walkway, in Najran from the University District Housing Park, in Taif from near King Abdullah Park, and in Arar from the Water Tower.

The National Day events in Riyadh included drone shows, specifically in the Boulevard Riyadh City area where billboards featured photos of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince, and the Kingdom’s flag.



Heavy Rain in Northern Japan Triggers Floods, Landslides

A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)
A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)
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Heavy Rain in Northern Japan Triggers Floods, Landslides

A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)
A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)

Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued emergency warnings of heavy rain for several municipalities in the Yamagata and Akita prefecture, where warm and humid air was flowing.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged the affected area’s residents to “put safety first” and pay close attention to the latest information from the authorities.

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, one person went missing in Yuzawa city — in the Akita prefecture — after being hit by a landslide at a road construction site.

Rescue workers in the city evacuated 11 people from the flooded area with the help of a boat.

In the neighboring Yamagata prefecture, more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of rain fell in the hardest-hit Yuza and Sakata towns within an hour earlier Thursday.

Thousands of residents in the area were advised to take shelter at higher and safer grounds, but it was not immediately known how many people took that advice.

Yamagata Shinkansen bullet train services were partially suspended on Thursday, according to East Japan Railway Company.

The agency predicted up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) of more rainfall in the region through Friday evening, urging residents to remain cautious.