Tragic news emerges from Taif in the west of Saudi Arabia as a hero who rescued a family trapped in floods last year succumbed to drowning this week. According to reports, the Saudi man's car was swept away in floodwaters near Taif, marking a devastating turn of events for the brave rescuer.

The incident unfolded in the Bani Malek district of the Maysan governorate, an area battered by heavy rains. Four individuals, including the deceased, found themselves trapped in their vehicle as it was engulfed by floodwaters while crossing a wadi.

Among the occupants were two Saudis and two Sudanese nationals, as reported by the Saudi news portal Sabq. Civil defence personnel sprang into action, managing to save two individuals while sadly confirming the loss of the 31-year-old Saudi. Search efforts are underway for the missing Sudanese man.

Remarkably, approximately a year ago, the deceased heroically rescued a family stranded by floods triggered by torrential rains in Taif, as attested by a relative.

The recent torrential rains also caused the removal of an asphalt layer from a road in Bani Malek, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions.

The Saudi National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued warnings of heavy rains in Mecca and the southwestern region of Asir, accompanied by strong winds, poor visibility, hail showers, and thunderstorms. Additionally, rainy weather is anticipated in northern Riyadh and the eastern part of the East Province during the first week of May, following recent torrential downpours.

In recent months, Saudi Arabia has witnessed several instances of heavy rainfall, prompting precautionary measures such as the temporary suspension of classes and the transition to online education.