Prince Faisal Bin Khaled, Emir of Asir Province, is working with local authorities to prepare compensation packages for people affected by the recent heavy rains in the region. Prince Khaled said officials in urban centers and regional municipalities would estimate the cost of damage caused by rains and floods and compensation would subsequently be decided by a designated committee. Prince Faisal added that in previous years all flood victims – nationals and expatriates – had received compensation. Three people have so far reportedly died from the violent seasonal floods that struck the province of Asir over Friday and Saturday, while many people were left stranded and extensive damage was caused to property. Muhammad Al-Mashain, a local cattle breeder, saw all his cattle washed away by powerful waters. Traffic was jammed on many of the region's roads, with several major roads closing, preventing teachers and students from reaching their schools. In other development, 893 citizens who constitute the fifth and last group of frost victims in Qassim will receive SR14.317 million for the damage caused by last year's frost wave. The director of the finance ministry's Qassim branch added that all other inhabitants who suffered damages during last year's cold wave have received compensation. – Okaz __
