Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

King Abdullah Calls for Accountability for Jeddah Floods | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Jeddah, Asharq Al-Awsat – The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, has ordered the formation of a dedicated and competent committee headed by the governor of Mecca, Prince Khalid al Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, to investigate and determine the reasons behind the tragic floods that took place last week in Jeddah and to name the persons or authorities held responsible. Members of the committee will include the Control and Investigation Board and various security and judicial bodies.

In his decree King Abdullah stated that the committee will “summon anybody or official, regardless of his seniority, to have his testimony or to question him if necessary.” The Saudi Ministry of Finance was also ordered to pay one million Saudi Riyals [US $267,000] to the first of kin or relatives of each martyr who drowned as a result of the Jeddah floods and to give compensation for damaged property.

The King expressed his deep sadness and pain at what has happened. He said, “I have followed up with profound pain the disastrous incidents that took place as a result of rainfall on Jeddah province, leading to fatalities exceeding one hundred and the injury of many people in addition to sizable and numerous damages of public and private properties.” He emphasized that “citizens and residents are our responsibility and [under our] protection.”

King Abdullah stated that he had instructed the concerned bodies to follow up on this matter and take the necessary measures in due time.

The flash floods in Jeddah have killed at least 106 people.