---
title: "\"Red\" alert in Mecca: torrential rains paralyze the city, but Tawaf around the Kaaba continues"
description: "The National Center of Meteorology of Saudi Arabia declared a \"red\" weather alert in Mecca due to torrential rains and flood risks. Tawaf around the Kaaba continues, and civil defense rescues people from mudflows."
date: 2026-10-28T11:07:46.007Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/red-alert-mecca-tawaf-pouring-rain
tags: [mecca, saudi-arabia, flood, kaaba, hajj, umrah, natural-disaster, civil-defense]
author: "Roman V., Andrey Kosynko"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# "Red" alert in Mecca: torrential rains paralyze the city, but Tawaf around the Kaaba continues

![The Kaaba in Mecca during torrential rain with a crowd of pilgrims under umbrellas](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/28/krasnyy-uroven-opasnosti-v-mekke-tavaf-pod-prolivnym-dozhdem/krasnyy-uroven-opasnosti-v-mekke-tavaf-pod-prolivnym-dozhdem-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Saudi Arabia's NCM declared a "red" alert in Mecca due to downpours and the risk of mudflows
- Rapid water flows paralyzed traffic on city streets and between pilgrim hotels and holy sites
- Civil defense conducted emergency rescue operations, including rescuing children from mudflows
- Tawaf around the Kaaba did not stop; mosque staff are continuously pumping water from marble floors

Prolonged torrential rains and thunderstorms that hit the holy city of Mecca and the surroundings of the Al-Haram Mosque in Saudi Arabia have led to a severe natural disaster. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) of the kingdom declared the highest, "red" level of warning, signaling a high risk of floods and dangerous mudflows in the region. According to forecasters, the intensity of precipitation exceeded standard indicators, which provoked a rapid rise in water levels in low-lying areas of the city and the formation of powerful flows capable of sweeping away vehicles.

### Paralyzed streets and emergency rescue operations

A critical situation has developed on the streets of Mecca: in low-lying areas, the water level rose in a matter of minutes, turning roads into turbulent torrents. Traffic and pedestrian movement between hotels hosting pilgrims and holy sites has become extremely difficult. The Saudi Civil Defense has carried out a number of emergency operations to rescue people trapped near mudflows. In particular, small children who were being carried away by the dangerous current were rescued. Footage circulating on social media captures the scale of the flood and the work of rescue teams in heavy rain.

### Tawaf continues: prayers at the Kaaba in the pouring rain

Despite the pouring rain and thunderstorm, millions of pilgrims performing Umrah continue their rituals. Tawaf, the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba, did not stop even at the time of the most intense precipitation. Footage taken near the shrine shows crowds of believers with colorful umbrellas making circles around the black cube covered with the Kiswa, the traditional cloth with a golden border. Al-Haram Mosque staff and specialized equipment are continuously working to drain accumulated water from the marble floors of the prayer courtyard to ensure the safety of pilgrims and prevent slips on the slippery surface.

### Official warnings and recommendations

Saudi state agencies and civil defense representatives have issued an official appeal to the residents of Mecca and pilgrims. It contains a call not to approach riverbeds, lowlands, and valleys where water accumulates, and to strictly follow the instructions of local authorities. The meteorological center recommended staying in safe places until the intensity of precipitation decreases. Against the backdrop of the declared "red" warning level, all city services have been put on high alert.

### Context: climate risks for the pilgrimage

Mecca welcomes millions of pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj every year. The city is located in an arid region, but seasonal downpours typical of the period from October to December can cause sudden flash floods due to the lack of natural drainage systems in dense urban areas. The NCM's declaration of a red alert is a rare measure indicating extremely high danger. In recent years, the kingdom's authorities have been strengthening infrastructural measures to protect the Al-Haram Mosque and surrounding areas from the consequences of extreme weather events.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [«Красный» уровень опасности в Мекке: вокруг Каабы под проливным дождем продолжается таваф (видео) – Zamin.uz, 27.10.2026](https://zamin.uz/ru/mir/225615-krasnyy-uroven-opasnosti-v-mekke-vokrug-kaaby-pod-prolivnym-dozhdem-prodolzhaetsya-tavaf-video.html) - Primary source. Confirms the NCM's declaration of a "red" alert, street flooding, civil defense rescue operations, the continuation of Tawaf, and official warnings.
- [В департаменте Па-де-Кале на севере Франции объявлен «красный» уровень тревоги из-за наводнений](https://www.rfi.fr/ru/%D1%84%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F/20231107-%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82-%D0%BF%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%B5-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B5-%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%80-%D1%84%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-7-11-2023) - Подтверждено по источнику rfi.fr

## FAQ

### What warning level has been declared in Mecca?

The National Center of Meteorology of Saudi Arabia declared the highest, "red" warning level due to the high risk of floods and dangerous mudflows.

### Have prayers at the Al-Haram Mosque stopped because of the rain?

No. Despite the pouring rain and thunderstorm, pilgrims continue to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba. Mosque staff are continuously working to drain water from the marble floors.

### Who carried out the rescue operations?

The Saudi Civil Defense conducted emergency operations to rescue people trapped near mudflows, including small children.

### What recommendations did the authorities give to pilgrims?

State authorities urged people not to approach riverbeds, lowlands, and valleys where water accumulates, and to strictly follow official instructions.