WORLD> Middle East
Saudi death toll from flood reaches 106
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-11-28 21:39

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: A Saudi official says the death toll from the unusually heavy rains that hit western Saudi Arabia has reached 106.

The official says rescue teams were looking for possible survivors from the downpours that caused heavy flooding in the coastal city of Jiddah, the main entry point for the millions of Muslims performing the annual hajj pilgrimage.

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He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk to the media.

The deaths have been blamed on flooding and collapsed homes and bridges.

Sami Badawood, spokesman of health services in Jiddah, says in a statement that area hospitals have been equipped to deal with any possible outbreaks of diseases resulting from the flooding, such as dengue fever.