Precautionary measures have been put in place ahead of the resumption of work on the second phase of technical repairs at the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) facility, which was damaged in an Iranian attack last week.
Authorities have designated a 2km safety radius encompassing institutions, facilities and limited areas of Block 619 in Sitra as a precaution against any potential ammonia gas leak.
A number of residents in this zone have been relocated to alternative accommodation, while others have been advised of the option to temporarily vacate their homes.
The Interior Ministry revealed the details last night during a media briefing aired on Bahrain TV.
A number of GPIC operational units were subjected to an attack by Iranian drones on April 5 that triggered fires across the affected units.
The fires were extinguished and no casualties were reported.
However, the ministry said yesterday that the attack could have caused significant loss of life and property, had it not been for the timely intervention of the relevant entities.
“The damage sustained by the facility was immediately brought under control,” the ministry said.
“Work would resume in the second phase of technical repair, in accordance with the security and safety requirements for such cases.”
It added that a designated 2km radius area was established, within which residents were informed of an optional evacuation and provided with temporary alternative accommodation.
“All safety measures have been taken to ensure that no materials leak in a way that could cause harm,” the ministry said.
Residents of the designated area have been requested to co-operate with the competent authorities and adhere to the instructions issued, which are intended first and foremost to ensure their safety.
The ministry added that targeting GPIC located within a populated area constitutes a ‘flagrant attack on lives, property, infrastructure and industrial and oil facilities’.
It added that such acts amount to war crimes, criminalised under international humanitarian law and rejected by international conventions and norms.
Director-General of the Capital Governorate Police Brigadier Isa Hassan Al Qattan condemned the heinous attack on the facility.
He explained that the second phase of repair works was set to begin, emphasising that operations would be carried out in line with the highest safety standards and with full preparedness to address any eventualities.
“In line with the commitment to the safety of citizens and residents as a top priority, the area near the site has been evacuated as a precautionary measure, with alternative accommodation provided and all essential needs and services secured for residents until the works are completed and conditions return safely to normal,” said a ministry statement.
Area MP Jalila Al Sayyed affirmed her support for the proactive measures taken by the ministry.
She noted that the upcoming phase will require the highest levels of vigilance and caution, particularly during the repair works, to ensure the safety of citizens in the area.
Several citizens also expressed appreciation for the measures taken by the relevant authorities, reaffirming their confidence in the government’s commitment to public safety and commending the swift response and effective organisation in providing alternative accommodation and services.
Separately, the ministry stressed the importance of reviewing the instructions and public safety procedures on the National Civil Protection Platform at https://www.ncpp.gov.bh/, particularly those related to ammonia gas leaks.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
Preventive Instructions in unlikely event of a chemical Leak (Ammonia Gas):
1. Move to a safe place inside the house and stay in an interior room. Close all windows and doors, turn off ventilation systems, and place damp towels under doors and windows to prevent contaminated air from entering.
2. Wear clothing that fully covers the body, and cover the face using a protective mask such as an N95 mask if possible, or a dry piece of cloth.
3. Monitor health symptoms such as irritation of the nose, throat, or respiratory tract for yourself and your family members, and call emergency services if needed at (999).
4. If exposed to chemicals, remove contaminated clothing, place it in a sealed container, and wash the body thoroughly with soap and water.
5. If travelling by car, move to a safe place and keep the car windows closed and the air conditioning turned off to prevent contaminated air from entering.
&uuid=(email))