Manama: Saudis have called for severe action against anyone who ventures into wadi (valley) torrential waters in a bid to show off.
The calls were issued on social media after the latest video clip of a driver crossing the turbulent waters in a show of defiance went viral on the Internet.
Heavy rains often cause water flow levels in wadis to rise rapidly, turning them into raging torrents. The resulting flash floods become the most devastating hazard to both people and infrastructure.
However, despite repeated warnings from the authorities to avoid wadis and other dangerous places during and after rainfalls, young people tend to gather and perform stunt acts to draw attention and have their "feats" appreciated by friends and followers on social media.
"These careless people are risking their lives for nothing," Qaseemi, a blogger, said. "Why are they punishing their families and why are they putting so much pressure on them and on the civil defence? They should be punished without any chance for pardon or any form of forgiveness," he said.
Falcon said that the act was not an exploit, but rather a reckless and senseless attitude.
"This is not an adventurous spirit. It is simply a suicide, and if this time all went well, the next time might end up in his death," he said.
Abdul Aziz said there was nothing for the driver to be proud about.
"I wonder why you think you should feel proud after such an act," he said. "The only reason that might make you proud is having made the vehicle that could resist the strong rainwaters; otherwise, there is nothing for you in such an act but stupidity and ignorance," he said.
