Citizens affected by yesterday’s heavy downpour have been urged to submit compensation claims, as municipal authorities moved swiftly to address widespread flooding across several areas of Bahrain. The issue was raised as a matter of urgency during the Southern Municipal Council meeting, where members dedicated part of the agenda to discuss the impact of the torrential rain that lashed the kingdom over the past two days.
Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif called on affected families to formally file for compensation while clarifying the criteria applied in such cases.
“The Works Ministry can compensate for water that enters homes from underneath due to infrastructure issues,” he said.
“However, water leaking through roofs does not fall within the scope of compensation. Infrastructure faults must be verified before any claims are approved.”
His remarks came as residents across Bahrain shared videos on social media showing flooded streets, submerged pavements and water seeping into homes and shops.
Several shopkeepers and homeowners in the Capital Governorate, particularly in Daih, claimed that rainwater was seeping into their properties from ground level outside, sharing footage that they say highlights inadequate drainage in some neighbourhoods.
Council members stressed that rapid intervention was essential to ease the burden on residents and restore normal traffic flow. They called for specialised teams to intensify efforts to pump out accumulated water and demanded additional tankers in the hardest-hit areas.
Mr Abdullatif revealed that an understanding had been reached with Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak and Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj to accelerate clean-up operations whenever severe weather strikes.
“An agreement has been reached to ensure that roads and neighbourhoods are cleaned within a maximum of 24 hours whenever conditions are difficult,” he said.
“Cleaning or pumping is challenging while it is still raining, so tankers move in to carry out the work shortly after it stops.”
He added that authorities had pledged to increase resources on the ground.
“We have been promised that more tankers will be rented from private companies to support those already available with government bodies,” Mr Abdullatif said.
Council members underscored that the safety and comfort of citizens remain a top priority, particularly during unstable weather conditions that can disrupt daily life and damage property.
Mr Abdullatif said members would closely monitor the implementation of the proposals and recommendations discussed during the session.
“The next phase will witness close follow-up by the council to raise the level of services provided across the governorates,” he said.
While Bahrain’s drainage infrastructure has improved over the years, sudden heavy rainfall continues to test capacity in low-lying and densely populated areas, often leading to temporary pooling of water before pumping operations can fully clear the streets.
Authorities have urged residents to report flooding incidents through official channels and to ensure that any compensation claims are supported with documentation and evidence to facilitate review.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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