In a recent turn of events, fierce storms have swept through Saudi Arabia’s revered Mecca region, where the iconic Grand Mosque, home to the Kaaba, stands as the epicenter of Islamic devotion. The Grand Mosque buffeted by heavy rains and strong winds, resulting in the closure of schools due to safety concerns.
During this extraordinary weather event, pilgrims seeking to perform the sacred circumambulation around the Kaaba—the revered black silk-clad stone structure—experienced an astonishing spectacle. A brilliant bolt of lightning struck the renowned Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower hotel, momentarily turning the night sky into a breathtaking display of nature’s power.
Lightning striking Mecca's clock tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. pic.twitter.com/Xo3NJbDboN— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) August 13, 2023
According to the National Centre for Meteorology’s spokesperson, Hussein al Qahtani, the storm brought gale force winds exceeding 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour, evoking memories of a similar storm in 2015 that tragically resulted in the collapse of a crane at the Grand Mosque, causing loss of life and injuries.
Unlike the devastating incident of 2015, no casualties reported during Tuesday’s tempest. However, Mecca residents vividly recall the intensity of the storm.
The meteorological center revealed that the Mecca neighborhood of Al Kakkiyah received a remarkable 45 millimeters of rain within a 24-hour span. Despite the initial alarm, the flash flooding gradually subsided by the following morning.
Residents, who shared their accounts anonymously, recounted the brief but intense deluge. Mohammed, who was grocery shopping at the peak of the storm, described the scene as “very scary” and remarked that the weather escalated rapidly, drenching the area in an incredibly short time.
The scene of Mecca Sharif pic.twitter.com/4h9bLghReo— Abu Ammar (@AbuAmmar373) August 23, 2023
As the Mecca regional government prioritizes safety, schools in certain parts of the city have temporarily closed. Classes will continue through e-learning platforms, allowing students to pursue their education without compromising their well-being.
Although the worst of the storm has passed, the meteorology center has issued a warning of additional storms expected to hit the region on Wednesday. Rain, wind, and thunderstorms predicted to affect not only Mecca but also other areas of western Saudi Arabia.
In the face of nature’s fury, the spirit of unity and resilience among the residents of Mecca remains unwavering. As the storm clouds disperse, the city continues to stand strong, a testament to the enduring spirit of its people and the devotion that draws countless pilgrims to its sacred grounds.