The official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, denied the authenticity of videos recently circulated on social media platforms, which claimed that parts of Riyadh were flooded due to rainfall. Al-Qahtani emphasized that these videos do not reflect the actual situation regarding the rainfall in the city, stressing that the situation was normal and under control.
Details of the rainfall situation and precipitation amounts
Al-Qahtani explained that the weather conditions that affected Riyadh yesterday were generally characterized by "steady rain," which is a continuous, light to moderate rainfall that nourishes the soil but does not usually cause flash floods. He noted that the conditions included some relatively heavy downpours and isolated hailstorms in scattered neighborhoods during the evening.
The official spokesperson revealed the precise data recorded by the monitoring stations, showing that the highest rainfall within the capital's urban area was only 12 mm, while the King Khalid Reserve in the Riyadh region recorded the highest amount at 24 mm. These figures confirm that the rainfall was within normal seasonal averages and did not reach the level of disasters or flooding that some unreliable accounts had claimed.
The phenomenon of recycling old videos and the impact of rumors
In a related context, the circulation of old or fabricated videos during the rainy season is a recurring phenomenon, often aimed at inciting anxiety and garnering attention at the expense of truth. Official bodies play a pivotal role in refuting these rumors to prevent public panic. Experts consistently emphasize that the infrastructure and stormwater drainage systems in major cities are designed to handle specific rainfall amounts, and that exaggerating the event can hinder the work of field teams.
The importance of obtaining information from official sources
In closing, Al-Qahtani stressed the importance of accuracy and social responsibility when publishing information, urging everyone to rely exclusively on official and trusted sources, such as the National Center for Meteorology and Civil Defense accounts, for accurate information on weather conditions and current warnings. This comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing significant advancements in early warning systems and automated monitoring, making official data the only reliable source for citizens and residents to ensure their safety and avoid misinformation.
