One dead as flash floods deluge Saudi Arabia

A rare storm has wreaked havoc in Saudi Arabia, causing widespread floods and the death of one person.

The heavy rains have lashed the kingdom for several days with roads flooded, cars abandoned, schools forced shut and traffic jams in the capital Riyadh.

Saudi authorities reported the death of one person on Wednesday and the rescue of hundreds of others after severe flooding in the Asir region.

A train derailed near the eastern city of Dammam on Friday, injuring 18 people, after flooding eroded the rails, the Saudi Railways Organisation said in a statement.

Soon social media itself was flooded as Saudis recorded their fear and surprise.