Saudi flood death toll rises to 83

Heavy rainstorms began on Wednesday, which was also the start of the Muslim event celebrated annually in the city of Mecca. The pilgrimage had drawn over three million people from around the world to the city.

On Thursday, the worshippers journeyed to Mount Arafat where Muhammad the Prophet delivered his farewell sermon. They then headed to the plains of Muzdalifah for the next stage of their worship. The symbolic stoning of the Devil will begin on Friday.

According to a Saudi interior ministry spokesman, none of the casualties were Hajj pilgrims.

The deaths were caused by flash floods and wrecked infrastructures. Many victims were also trapped inside buses and other vehicles.

Out of the 83 bodies found, 21 were identified to be natives of Saudi Arabia. The rest were foreign immigrants, Abdullah al-Amri, Jeddah civil defense chief said.