Showers cripple Riffa residents

The first spell of showers caused misery to many in areas in and around Riffa on Saturday with no power for hours and some neighborhoods partially submerged in water.

Residents of West Riffa said they did not any receive any help from authorities despite floodwaters entering houses, destroying shops and vehicles in the area. “It was total darkness as the power went off a few minutes after the rain began. Water entered many houses in the area destroying furniture, books and other things,” a resident told Tribune.

“We were frequently posting pictures on social media, thinking we would get some help. But no-one came forward, leaving us crippled.” The residents said they had to move out of the localities and are now worried about cleaning up their homes filled with mud left by floodwaters.

The rain also caused sewage overflows in the area. “We can’t escape from sewage stench. We are worried about the health of our children,” another resident added. Many areas in the Kingdom including Riffa, Isa Town, Sanad, and Sitra experienced thundery showers with heavy winds on Saturday.