Hailstorm blankets Saudi Arabia's Al Jawf region

Unprecedented weather event causes widespread damage

A powerful hailstorm has lashed the Al Jawf region of Saudi Arabia, causing widespread damage to property and infrastructure. The storm, which hit on Tuesday afternoon, brought with it hailstones the size of golf balls, which pelted homes, cars, and businesses.

The storm is the latest in a series of extreme weather events to hit the Kingdom in recent months. In January, heavy rains caused flooding in several parts of the country, including the capital, Riyadh. And in March, a sandstorm brought visibility to near zero in parts of the Eastern Province.

Damage assessment ongoing

The extent of the damage caused by the hailstorm is still being assessed, but it is already clear that it will be significant. Hundreds of homes and cars have been damaged, and several businesses have been forced to close. The storm also caused power outages in some areas.

The Saudi Civil Defense Authority has urged residents to stay indoors and to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. The authority is also working to clear debris from the streets and to restore power to affected areas.

Climate change concerns

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Saudi Arabia is raising concerns about the impact of climate change. The country is already one of the hottest and driest in the world, and climate change is expected to make these conditions even more extreme.

The Saudi government is taking steps to address the challenge of climate change. The country has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 27% by 2030. The government is also investing in renewable energy and other sustainable technologies.