- By Akansha Pandey
- Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:56 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The in-person classes were suspended in Soudi Arabia on Sunday, as authorities have ordered the closure of schools and colleges across several regions following the massive flooding triggered by torrential rainfall. Heavy rainfall have submerged roads in the capital, Riyad and the Al-Ahsa province, prompting the National Center for Meteorology to warn that extreme weather conditions are likely to persist.
Widespread Disruption And Emergency Alerts
Severe flooding affected Riyadh, Najran, Makkah and the Eastern Province causing significant disruptions to daily life. Viral social media footages showed powerful currents of water rushing through the streets of the capital.
Massive flooding caused by intense rainfall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/OfjWoaSOUl
— Disaster News (@Top_Disaster) April 12, 2026
The National Center for Meteorology reported that while the heavy rain in Riyadh began easing slightly by early Sunday, moderate to intense rainfall is expected to impact most of the Kingdom through Tuesday. Affected regions include:
- Asir, Jazan and Najran
- Al Baha and Makkah
- Qassim and the Northern Borders
- The Eastern Province
Officials have warned residents of potential flash floods, hailstorms, and high winds, noting that visibility may be further reduced by rising dust.
A sudden dangerous flood caught people off guard and caused chaos on April 11 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/RqUqU0Nhqt
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) April 12, 2026
Transition To Remote Learning
In response to the safety risks, physical classes have been suspended at schools and major universities nationwide. Notable institutions shifting to online formats include:
- Al-Baha University
- King Khalid University
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences
Education departments in the Eastern Province have transitioned to the Madrasati platform to ensure students and staff remain safe while continuing their curriculum remotely.
Emergency Response Measures
The Saudi Civil Defense has urged citizens in the Eastern Province and Riyadh to exercise extreme caution and strictly follow official safety protocols. Meanwhile, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority has reached a state of maximum readiness in Riyadh, activating its comprehensive flood and rain emergency response plan as the country remains on high alert until the weather stabilises.
