{
  "id": 15281495,
  "title": "Civil Defense declares threat over in Khamis Mushait",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/civil-defense-declares-threat-over-in-khamis-mushait",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T21:25:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/saudi-arabia/320o5ocj6"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Saudi Civil Defense has confirmed that the threat to Khamis Mushait has ended, advising residents to adhere to official safety guidelines and refrain from gatherings. On Sunday, the agency released a statement emphasizing the importance of following directives issued by relevant authorities to maintain public safety. The Civil Defense stressed the need for citizens to continue heeding official instructions and reminded the public to contact emergency services by dialing 911 in case of emergencies. Earlier, authorities had recommended that individuals remain calm, move to the nearest safe location within buildings, avoid windows, glass, and open areas, and avoid leaving buildings or standing on balconies or rooftops until the threat had passed. The guidance also urged those outdoors to seek shelter in the nearest structure and to avoid hazardous locations. Motorists notified of the threat while driving were instructed to pull over safely, away from bridges and high-rise buildings.",
  "summary": "Saudi Civil Defense has announced that the threat in Khamis Mushait has passed, though the agency urged the public to continue following official safety instructions, according to Ajel English.\n\nThe General Directorate of Civil Defense has advised the public to exercise caution and remain in safe locations as thunderstorms are forecasted to continue across most regions of the Kingdom through Wednesday, reported Saudi Gazette. The agency called on people to avoid valleys and flood-prone areas, to refrain from swimming in them, and to follow instructions provided via social media and the media.\n\nAccording to National Center for Meteorology forecasts cited by Saudi Gazette, Makkah, Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha are expected to see moderate to heavy rain that may lead to flash floods, hail, and dust-stirring downdrafts. Light to moderate rain is predicted for Madinah, Hail, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Borders regions. On Saturday, the NCM issued a warning for Makkah and the Al-Jumum governorate regarding moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, hail, flash floods, and near-zero visibility, with conditions expected to persist until 9:00 p.m.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Civil Defense issues early warning for potential threat in Riyadh and Abha",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/civil-defense-issues-early-warning-for-potential-threat-in-riyadh-and",
        "published": "2026-10-17T21:09:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}