The rains have brought pleasant tidings for the winter. (SPA)

Rains have brought glad tidings to farmers and wildlife lovers.

Heavy rains had been reported across the Riyadh region on Sunday.

The downpour, which began at 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, ended fully at around 10 p.m. the same day.

“The rains have brought pleasant tidings for the winter,” an official from the Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) told Arab News.

Welcoming the rains, he said that heavy downpour is ideal for good plant cover.

“The rains will create a conducive environment for wildlife and plantation. We can also expect a higher percentage during the next breeding season in the spring. The wetness will freshen vegetation and grasslands in the Central province.”

He added that wildlife lovers will see the blossoming of desert flowers and plants.

He warned city dwellers who go on picnics in the suburbs not to spoil the green grass along the water courses because these places form ideal habitats for local and migratory birds.

“The rains will greatly benefit wildlife, providing water and necessary food for its sustenance,” he said.

The Kingdom has already imposed a ban on hunting migratory birds in the country. With the onset of winter, thousands of migratory birds are flocking to various parts of the Kingdom in search of a colder climate.

Officials have said that the ban on hunting migratory birds was imposed for fear that bird flu diseases would spread.

“Although the Kingdom is free of any bird flu virus, the Kingdom does not want this disease to re-surface,” he said. “The ban is a form of preventive action, which is ongoing since the globe is not fully free of the bird flu.”

The Kingdom is home to several thousands of migratory birds that come here during the winter and will fly back to their respective home countries in time for spring by February.

Rain-seeking prayers, known as “istisqa,” were performed across the Kingdom on Monday in line with a directive issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

Governors and senior officials Kingdom-wide took part in regional prayers.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz performed prayers at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in the capital.

The prayer was led by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, also president of the Council of Senior Scholars (CSC).

In Makkah, special prayers were performed at the Grand Mosque and attended by Saad Al-Maimouni, undersecretary of the Makkah governorate.

In Madinah, prayers were performed at the Prophet’s Mosque and attended by Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman.

According to Prophetic tradition, “istisqa” prayers are conducted in the event of a drought or delayed rainfall.

 
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