Dr. Abdullah Al‑Abdulqader
Natural disasters have long been a source of deep concern for planners across all sectors of the state. And with the recent warnings that appear to pose a real threat to lives and property in the cities of our beloved Kingdom, a look at the past century reveals the immense damage that natural catastrophes inflicted on the two generations preceding ours—at the very least. I focus on these two generations because of their proximity to our time, allowing for a practical and scientific perspective that enables comparison and analysis.
Since current attention is directed toward disasters related to floods, heavy rainfall, and drowning incidents, I will confine my discussion to this area. It is a topic filled with sorrow, and our recent history reminds us painfully of the “Year of Al‑Haddamah”—the devastating flood that struck northeastern Saudi Arabia and Kuwait at the beginning of Ramadan 1353 AH (7 December 1934). Torrential rains fell on parts of Al‑Suman, Al‑Dabdaba, and the border regions with Kuwait. It is reported that rainfall in the first hour alone reached 300 milliliters, an extraordinary figure in the region’s history, leaving behind widespread destruction, numerous deaths, and mass displacement.
In 1376 AH, during the reign of King Saud—may God have mercy on him—a catastrophic storm struck Al‑Qassim and the northern regions. The astronomer Abdulaziz bin Sultan Al‑Shammari recounts that the severity of the disaster nearly claimed the life of King Saud himself and many of his men while they were camping in an area known as Al‑Khaymah for hunting. Likewise, the “Year of Jabbar” in 1360 AH brought heavy rains that devastated Al‑Hariq and the southern areas of Riyadh. And in 1371 AH, the “Year of Darkness”, the skies over Najd and its surrounding regions remained dark for three consecutive days.
Nor can we forget the floods of Makkah that submerged the Holy Mosque in 1941, the great flood of Al‑Qassim in 1395 AH, the flood of Hail in 1361 AH, and of course the Jeddah flood disaster, still vivid in public memory.
I intentionally mention different dates and regions across our beloved Kingdom to emphasize that these events are real and recurring, and must be addressed seriously. The tragedies of the past—displacement and loss of life—occurred during a time of limited development, minimal planning, and widespread poverty at both state and individual levels.
Today, however, the situation is entirely different. We live in an era of abundance—indeed, immense wealth. The country is rich with experts, thinkers, and a large number of universities, in addition to the presence of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). It is self‑evident, dictated by logic and reality, that the expansion of existing cities and the selection of safe sites for major new projects must be guided by sound planning.
I am aware, as many observers are, of the ongoing correspondence between various ministries and relevant authorities. Yet I must frankly state that these efforts do not rise to the level required—especially in these days when warnings of potential disasters and displacement persist. To be fair, the general direction is reasonable, but the delay in implementing necessary measures makes the danger palpable.
In such circumstances, it is essential for KACST, the Saudi Geological Survey, and the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection to prepare a national framework grounded in scientific rigor, clearly defining the responsibilities of other ministries. This requirement has been emphasized in previous royal decrees.
A significant portion of responsibility falls on the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, whose officials must integrate their work with the satellite‑based services provided by KACST. Boldness is required in this regard—even though we may lack a culture of bold decision‑making in critical moments, perhaps due to the gentleness we have inherited in our hearts. Yet history always reminds us that difficult situations demand difficult decisions.
When large population centers—or even entire cities—are located within the paths of valleys clearly visible through satellite imagery, the language of reason and logic demands decisive action. Ignoring such warnings is undoubtedly a course with dire consequences, and future generations will not forgive such grave mistakes.
Indeed, in this is a reminder for those who possess a heart, listen attentively, and see with clarity.