The 2009 Saudi Arabian floods affected Jeddah, on the Red Sea (western) coast of Saudi Arabia, and other areas of Makkah Province.[3] They have been described by civil defence officials as the worst in 27 years.[4] As of 3 January 2010, some 122 people are reported to have been killed,[1] and more than 350 were missing.[2] Some roads were under a metre (three feet) of water on 26 November, and many of the victims were believed to have drowned in their cars. At least 3,000 vehicles were swept away or damaged.[2][5][6] The death toll was expected to rise as flood waters receded, allowing rescuers to reach stranded vehicles.[7]