DOZENS of tankers and pumps were deployed across the country as heavy rains and thunder storms caused floods and chaos on roads early yesterday morning.
The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry said members of its ‘Rain Emergency Team’ were working round-the-clock to clear waterlogged areas, especially around schools, hospitals, parks, mosques and other public places.
Large pools of stagnant rainwater were also created during the downpour in A’ali, Karranah, Saar, Hajiyat and Buhair.
“Water collection points across Bahrain have already been identified and registered into a database to help emergency teams pump out rain water,” Under-Secretary for Municipal Affairs Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said in a statement.
“Hotlines have been allocated to receive reports on waterlogging in all four municipalities. They have been published on social media platforms in order for work to commence immediately following a report.
“Each municipality has also formed a team who visit sites, identify needs and co-ordinate with concerned authorities.”
Shaikh Mohammed
Shaikh Mohammed said the ministry cleans open channels to drain rainwater throughout the year while the safety of sewage network is also periodically checked.
The meteorological directorate has warned of unsettled weather today and tomorrow with strong gusts of wind reaching 30 knots at times causing rough seas. Thundery showers are also expected over the coming days with temperatures set to drop to as low as 13C.
Under-Secretary for Works Affairs Ahmed Al Khayyat said ministry officials had conducted field visits to review preparations for the rainy season and an integrated plan has been devised.
“Work has been divided into two parts,” he said.
Mr Al Khayyat
“The first relates to the Works Department whose mission is to clear the main roads and highways, while the municipalities are monitoring inner streets and neighbourhoods.
“Operations of emergency rooms in each municipality are managed by the director general, who in turn has formed a team. Their mission is to follow up on reports round-the-clock and carry out suction operations for rainwater collected.”
Mr Al Khayyat revealed that drainage channels were being cleaned through an automated process taking place throughout the year.
“A number of pumps have been distributed in streets where rain water collects owing to lack of drainage channels,” added Mr Al Khayyat.
He urged citizens and residents to abide by directives issued by the ministry and not open manholes as it could damage the system and endanger lives.
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