A weather forecast channel is to be launched by Saudi Arabia's Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) to promote environmental awareness and help the public tackle flash floods and other natural disasters.

The channel, unveiled by PME chief Prince Turki bin Nasser, will provide weather updates for the Gulf nation every hour.

"The PME has 18 branch offices and 32 weather forecast centres across the Kingdom. They are extending the best possible services to all the concerned departments by supplying weather forecasts and related information," Prince Turki bin Nasser is quoted as saying in Arab News.

Over the past few years, Jeddah and other parts of Saudi Arabia have suffered heavy rains and flash floods that lead to loss of life and structural damage.

In addition to the new weather channel, Prince Turki announced the implementation of a national environment programme, which aims to turn participating cities in Saudi 'green'.