Minister resigns as floods ravage Kuwait
COUNTRY’S ARMY AND NATIONAL GUARD JOIN RESCUE EFFORTS
Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Hussam Al Roumi has resigned because of the huge damage to public property caused by heavy rains and floods, the state news agency Kuna said yesterday.
“Out of my moral responsibility ... I have submitted my resignation to the President (Kuwaiti Emir),” Al Roumi said.
Al Roumi expressed his “deep regret” about the severe destruction of properties owned by citizens and residents.
Kuwait’s Army and National Guard joined rescue efforts, Kuna said.
Footage posted on social media from across Kuwait showed torrents sweeping away cars as sewage systems failed to drain the heavy downpour.
The meteorological department of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation reported that the country has received 29.63mm of rain since Thursday evening, a significantly high amount for Kuwait in a 24-hour span.
Community centres near flooded streets will be open overnight to shelter people stranded on the road.
On Tuesday, Kuwait suspended work at ministries, government institutions and schools in a bid to ensure people’s safety and to minimise risks of accidents following the heavy outpour.
Several officials were held responsible and disciplinary measures, including dismissals and retirement, were announced.