JAZAN as a region is replete with breathtaking scenes and tourist attractions. Visitors have always been impressed with the mesmerizing nature of all cities in the region. However, many are unaware of the dangers that surround some of the most beautiful valleys in Jazan, Al-Jazirah daily reports. Prone to flooding, dozens of locals have drowned in some of these valleys and the number of victims has been on the rise lately. While many blame Mother Nature for the deaths, few realize that companies that illegally remove large amounts of sand from the bottom of the valleys are to blame for making them prone to floodwaters. Valley of Lajab Lajab is the most breathtaking and beautiful valley in Jazan. Visitors and tourists flock to it because of its captivating waterfalls and charming views. Taha Thiyabi, a local, described it as a beauty that disguises dangers. "Several of its valleys are deeper than one would think. Many a young man died drowning in them. Unfortunately, authorities have so far not put up signs to warn people and visitors against swimming in these valleys," he said. Abdullah Al-Reethi, another local, described the waterfalls as dangerous. Many visitors climb small but dangerous hills trying to get to the waterfalls, especially when it rains, and end up slipping and getting seriously injured or killed. "As locals, we know when to stay away from these waterfalls. If there is some kind of flood, you will hear a gunshot warning people that the valley is dangerous and everyone should leave but visitors are unaware of such warnings," he added. Al-Reethi also said unchecked sand dredging is the number one cause of flood-related drowning incidents in the valley. He said companies are greedy and do not care about people's lives. "They sell sand for big money to construction companies. Why would they care about the safety of people when there is money to be made?" End illegal activities Abdo Moshi, another local, called on the authorities to take action to stop sand mining activities in the region. "When mining companies dig deeper in the valleys to scoop sand, sinkholes form and are covered with rainwater. Few realize that a small pool of water can be as deep as 10 meters. Many families have lost their children to these sinkholes," he said. Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage's Jazan branch director Rostum Al-Kubaisi said the commission has put up warning signs in various locations but visitors do not take heed of the signs and insist on taking risks. Some visitors, he said, love adventures and end up dead as a result. Ali Zala, the spokesman of Jazan Emir Prince Muhammad Bin Nasser, said the prince has instructed all concerned authorities to take action and prevent people from going to the bottom of valleys during heavy rains. Prince Muhammad has also instructed the officials to impose heavy fines on companies that remove sand from valleys.
