MAKKAH – The Ajyad branch municipality in Makkah has removed 135 damaged and abandoned vehicles from various districts under its jurisdiction, a municipality official said. Raed Hanifa said field teams from the municipality started a campaign to remove abandoned vehicles and trash along streets and other public places. In addition to cars, the removed materials include wood works, scrap metal, boxes and containers. The teams also torn down workshops that were illegally operating in residential neighborhoods. He said field teams will continue the campaign to keep the city clean and tidy.
Several trapped in floods
rescued in Taif, Baha
TAIF – Civil Defense teams rescued on Friday a nine-member family trapped in flashfloods in Maisan, near Taif. The family was found trapped near a curve on Al-Safeeha mountain pass and was taken to safety. The Civil Defense teams also rescued the driver of a truck that swept away in flashfloods in Turba Valley. The emergency division of Taif Health Affairs alerted all hospitals and medical centers in the region following the inclement weather forecast by the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment. Meanwhile, local media reported that several people were trapped in flashfloods in different regions of Baha. The command center at Baha Civil Defense received 1,701 calls for rescue and help following heavy rain in the region on Thursday and Friday. Civil Defense spokesman Col. Jamaan Bin Dais said all mountain passes in the region have been closed temporarily due to the rain. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority said it handled 29 traffic accidents due to heavy rain. At least 32 people sustained injuries due to the accidents, it added.
Asir police bust human
trafficking, drug gangs
ABHA – Two separate gangs involved in human trafficking and drug smuggling were arrested in the southern Asir province. Zaid Al-Qahtani, spokesman for Asir police, said two expatriates engaged in human trafficking were apprehended along with six women and a child. The gang was involved in renting out illegal women as housemaids, charging big amount of money from Saudi households. He said the gang also used these women for prostitution after giving them shelter. All the women and gang members were of African origin. They were also accused of selling drugs and liquor. Al-Qahtani said police arrested four members of another gang of Africans engaged in the distribution of drugs and illicit liquor. Police seized 27 packets of hashish, 16 amphetamine pills and seven bottles of arak from the gang.
