Saudi Arabia Issues Urgent Warning Over Potential Hazards - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Saudi Arabia issued an emergency warning on Tuesday regarding "potential hazards" in Jeddah, Mecca, and Taif—located in the country's western region—and urged residents to seek shelter and follow official safety instructions.

According to Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense, the warning was issued via the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies. As quoted by ANTARA, Authorities did not explain the type of potential danger in question.

Residents are urged to remain calm and immediately proceed to the nearest safe location—ideally inside a building or an interior room away from windows—and to stay there until the danger has passed.

Civil Defense also urged the public to stay away from open areas, windows, balconies, and rooftops. Meanwhile, those outdoors were asked to enter the nearest building or take shelter behind a sturdy barrier.

Motorists who receive the warning are advised to pull over away from bridges and high-rise buildings. The public is also urged to avoid crowds and hazardous areas, and to follow instructions issued through official channels.

The warning was issued amidst escalating clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group in Yemen.

The group has launched a series of missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabian cities and infrastructure over the past few days. Saudi forces responded by launching attacks on Houthi positions in Yemen.