From correspondents in Middle East, 08:01 PM IST

Saudi Arabia's civil defence authority Saturday raised the toll from this week's flash floods caused by heavy downpours to 106.

An official with the authority said crews were still searching for survivors from the flooding that hit the western part of the country, including the area where many enter the kingdom for the ongoing Haj pilgrimage.

Health authorities have warned people to stay away from the water to avoid further casualties and the spread of diseases.

Hundreds of people have been rescued by the defence forces in the past few days, but the toll is expected to rise further.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)