RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence says thunderstorms and flooding along the Red Sea coast have claimed the lives of 12 people over the past two days, half of them children.

The toll rose Wednesday as authorities confirmed more deaths in an announcement on Twitter.

The six children who died in the provinces of Yanbu, Ha'il and on the outskirts of the coastal city of Jeddah either drowned or were swept away by flood waters.

Read: Heavy rains hit Saudi Arabia; three killed, flights delayed

Rainfall and strong winds also affected parts of the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and the province of Tabuk.

For a third straight day this week, classes were suspended at schools and universities along some areas in Saudi Arabia's northwest.