» 12/02/2009 14:31 SAUDI ARABIA Fear of epidemic looms over Jeddah as flood-related bodies are still unburied Many bodies are rotting under debris, following last week’s big flood. More than 100 people died, some drowned in their cars. Government is blamed for the lack of proper drainage.
Jeddah (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Residents in Jeddah districts badly affected by the recent rains and floods are afraid that rotting bodies buried in debris, cars and other hard-to-reach places might cause health problems and epidemics. People have complained about the bad smell; many have volunteered to help in recovering bodies.
The health situation is compounded by Islamic tradition, which calls for quick burial after death.
A huge rainstorm flooded Saudi Arabia’s second largest city on 25 November, sowing death and destruction. More than 100 people perished drowned in their cars or dragged by the waters, which reached a height of 12 metres. Many roads were destroyed, and power is still out in some areas of the city.
Many residents accuse local authorities for the lack of proper sewers and drainage system.
