People attending the Hajj walk acrossflooded streets in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009. (APPhoto)Heavy downpours at Islam's holiest site sent millions searching for coverWednesday, the opening day of Islam's annual Hajj.A cold front which moved through northern and central Saudi Arabia is to blamefor the heavy rain, which brought 2.76 inches to Jiddah, more than the citywould normally have in a year. In nearby Mecca, streets were flooded, andelectricity flickered on and off during the day.
Jiddah is a common entry point on the Red Sea for those wishing to attend Hajj.
From there, followers travel the nearly 40 miles to Mecca. With streetsflooded, and some roads closed, travel between the two cities came to astandstill.
At the Kaaba in Mecca, the courtyard was nearly empty as the rain poured down.
This area is generally packed during opening day.
With more showers expected through Friday, additional fears are beginning toarise. The mountains surrounding Mecca are a place where many of the event'srites take place, and they are prone to mudslides. Also, additional flashflooding is possible.
Organizers fear that the event's biggest danger, stampedes, will also bemagnified with the uncooperative weather.
Travel through Friday will be difficult, as millions move between sites. BySaturday, the weather is expected to improve.
