Rain shuts down public services in Kuwait
Drivers urged to exercise caution in flooded areas as emergency cases are tackled
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry yesterday told residents to avoid venturing out of their homes while the authorities attempt to deal with challenges from the heavy downpour.
Work at ministries, government institutions and schools was suspended in a bid to ensure the public’s safety and to minimise the risk of accidents and mishaps.
Road users were warned to exercise the highest levels of caution due to the driving difficulties, traffic congestion and floods caused by the stormy weather.
Drivers should “strictly follow traffic rules and regulations so that police officers can deal with the situation,” the ministry added in a press release carried by Kuwait News Agency (Kuna).
The Interior Ministry said it was coordinating with the Ministry of Public Works to clear the roads and areas flooded by rainwater.
The Water and Electricity Ministry said that no power outages or malfunctions had been reported at power stations because of the heavy rain.
Undersecretary of the ministry Mohammad Bushehri said that power cuts in some dwellings might be attributed to water seeping into electrical circuits, which shut off to prevent damage.
The ministry urged people to monitor the power board in their homes regularly to make sure that no damage was done.
However, it added that emergency teams were ready to address any situation.
Director-General of the Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) Lieutenant General Khalid Al Mekrad said that fire engine teams were ready to respond to any type of emergency.
He indicated that the KFSD had received over 50 calls reporting various issues and situations.