PREPARATIONS are in full swing to tackle flooding this winter as officials draw up contingency plans ahead of the onset of Bahrain’s rainy season.
The Works Ministry is upgrading infrastructure and carrying out maintenance work and has already assembled a team to drain rainwater from roads and highways.
Another team has been lined up at the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry to clean up residential and farm areas.
Details of the preparations were revealed by the Works Ministry’s roads projects and maintenance director Hamad Badow, sanitary operations and maintenance director Abdulnabi Al Kufi, and Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry’s sewage networks’ head Isa Al Mulood during the Capital Trustees Board weekly majlis at their headquarters in Bilad Al Qadeem.
Bahrain experiences relatively low annual rainfall compared to other regions. However, sudden downpours can cause flooding, traffic disruptions and property damage during the rains, which typically occurs between November and March.
Recognising these challenges, the Bahraini government has implemented a range of initiatives including emergency response co-ordination and public awareness campaigns. Works Ministry officials said the country’s drainage infrastructure has also been revamped.
“The Works Ministry has been involved in upgrading and expanding the drainage network to prevent water accumulation on roads and in residential areas,” officials said.
“The focus is on constructing new drainage systems, cleaning and maintaining existing networks, and ensuring that flood-prone areas have adequate facilities to handle excess rainwater.
“In addition, the government has launched several road development projects aimed at improving the flow of traffic during rainy conditions. This includes constructing roads with improved drainage capabilities and ensuring that key highways and roads remain operational even during intense downpour.”
A comprehensive emergency response framework has also been set up, which involves co-ordination between multiple government bodies such as the Interior, Housing and Urban Planning, Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, and Education Ministries alongside the National Disaster Management Committee. The government bodies will work together to monitor weather conditions and mobilise resources to respond to emergencies.
“Special task forces will be deployed in areas most vulnerable to flooding, while authorities work to reroute traffic in case of road blockages or flooding,” said Mr Al Mulood.
“We have a team of 15 officials led by the Capital Trustees Authority director-general Mohammed Al Sehli, who have access to 18 tankers and pumps, besides any other equipment needed from any governorate,” he added.
“The Civil Defence also plays a critical role in ensuring public safety by assisting residents trapped in flooded areas and carrying out rescue operations if needed.
Awareness
“The government has invested in predictive technology, allowing for more accurate weather forecasting and real-time updates. This early-warning system helps us prepare for rainstorms and mobilise teams in advance to minimise the potential damage.”
Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the government places significant emphasis on raising public awareness about the precautions citizens should take during heavy rains.
“Announcements through television, radio, and social media platforms inform the public about expected weather conditions and how to stay safe during downpours,” he said.
“The government also advises residents on proper home maintenance, encouraging them to clear gutters and drainage systems in their homes to prevent water build-up and flooding.
“Similarly, motorists are advised to check their vehicles to ensure they are prepared for wet conditions and to avoid driving in flooded areas.”
He added that the government continues to explore innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting and the use of permeable pavements to improve water absorption and reduce runoff during rains.
“Such measures are intended to make Bahrain’s cities more resilient to the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns linked to climate change,” he added.
However, MP and National Strategic Bloc president Ahmed Al Salloom said no measures are enough as the country has been tackling flooding for the last 30 years.
“Bahrain is witnessing vast urbanisation, which is excellent, but associated infrastructure isn’t being upgraded, or why would the same problems surface yearly?,” he asked.
“Bahrain witnessed its heaviest downpour in April this year and yet, people seeking claims for damages have not been compensated. It is clear that infrastructural developments are the reason their homes or properties are getting flooded.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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