9.4m gallons of rainwater drained
ras al khaimah — Following the heavy showers that lashed Ras Al Khaimah over the last two days, the Department of Public Works and Services has drained 9.42 million gallons of water from the roads of the emirate on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi, director of the department, told Khaleej Times that they have deployed 13 tankers and 35 pumps to clear the roads.
“The draining operations will continue for two more days,” he said late on Wednesday.
The department’s official accounts on social media are accessible for the public to send complaints round the clock, he added.
“All our staff is geared up round the clock to attend to people’s complaints and drain all the ponds of rainwater,” he stated.
Alerted about a ‘sea’ of water opposite the economic department, the emergency team of the department was dispatched to the site immediately, Al Hammadi said.
“I have just received a message that the entire water ponds opposite the economic department and at Al Dheit area were drained.”
The accumulated rainwater amounted to 54.8mm in the Fuwaa area, and that was the highest level recorded, he disclosed. “Rainwater hit 54mm at Jebel Jais, 30.4mm in the Khatm Al Shakla area, and 29.8mm at the Jebel Mebreh.”
All parts of the emirate witnessed heavy showers over the last two days, particularly in the northern and southern regions, valleys and mountainous areas. “All residents are advised to avoid mountainous areas, and the strong currents of the valleys here, while all motorists are requested to reduce speed, be attentive on the road, turn on the light, and obey traffic rules for the safety of road users,” he added. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com