News by P A Hameed 
Pics by Anwar Sadath
Daijiworld Media Network—Jeddah (CN)

Jeddah, Nov 25: Most of the areas in the city and adjacent places including Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafath, where millions of pilgrims will gather on Thursday November 26, for the performance of Haj in Mecca, have been lashed by heavy rains from the morning till afternoon of Wednesday November 25.  

Many suburbs have been waterlogged causing roadblocks in the city and other places.  Some low-lying areas resembled rivers and seemed to have swallowed the whole environ. 

Vehicles were seen stuck on the roads and alleyways. People on their way to offices and other errands had to suffer due to the stagnation of rainwater on the roads.

The sewage system was severely affected and stagnant water overflowed onto the roads. Though the residents welcomed the rains, they were caught unawares by the torrential rain which caused inconveniences and hassles. 

The situation was not different in Mecca which is crammed with millions of pilgrims from all over the world. 

Mina, where the piligrims’ first day of stay started on Wednesday evening, and other holy places like Muzdalifah, and Arafath were also water-logged. 

Some pilgrims staying in tents had to encounter some difficulties. However, the arrangements and facilities made by the Saudi authorities are excellent. 

The peak of Haj ritual takes place at Arafath on Thursday. Mina is situated a couple of kilometres away from Arafath and most of the pilgrims will be making their way on foot despite availability of vehicles and wheel chairs for the sick and old.