(MENAFN- Arab News) Civil Defense personnel in Asir have dealt with a series of emergencies due to heavy rain in the region on Friday particularly in Khamis Mushayt.
Spokesman Col. Muhammad Al-Asimi said the Civil Defense activated its mechanical and human support plan in Asir to support field units in the city.
Civil Defense teams dealt with 47 cases of people trapped inside vehicles in Khamis Mushayt. Another 19 vehicles were caught in high water in several neighboring districts.
Shelter was provided to five families in Khamis Mushayt after their homes were damaged by the heavy rain.
Civil Defense teams continue to respond to calls from people requesting assistance he said.
The heavy rain overwhelmed drainage systems and the municipality rented machinery and equipment based on directives of the mayor who monitored operations in the field.
The mayor denied reports circulating on social media that some neighborhoods lacked drainage systems saying that all neighborhoods have good conduits with the exception of some where drainage projects are still under construction.
'The rain was very heavy; in some cases streams carried garbage which clogged some of the drains and the emergency teams dealt with the problems immediately' Al-Asimi said.