Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat—Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has directed Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense Council to do everything in its power to ensure the safety of citizens following the floods that have beset some regions of the kingdom. He also ordered departments to take steps to provide financial and material support to flood victims as quickly as possible.

Interior Minister Prince Muhammad bin Naif, who also heads the Civil Defense Council, issued a statement on Wednesday, saying: “The king has been monitoring the situation since the heavy downpours began. He is also monitoring the efforts of all related ministries and government departments to provide relief operations and undertake safety measures.”

King Abdullah called on the council to carry out their duties and implement all emergency plans to deal with the damage caused by the heavy rainfall. The King also ordered that the victims of the flooding should be provided with urgent relief and assistance, including emergency shelter to those whose homes have been affected, the prince said.

Prince Muhammad bin Naif added that the interior minister is monitoring the Civil Defense Council’s operations in all provinces of the country, ensuring that they are coordinating with the Civil Defense committees under the purview of provincial governors.