Heavy rain hits RAK; mercury to dip further
ras al khaimah — Heavy rain lashed different parts of the emirate, particularly Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the country.
Rough sea, high waves, fierce winds and accumulated clouds are expected mainly in the northeastern parts of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), according to the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology. “The mercury is also expected to drop by 2°C, compared to the last few days.”
The department of public works in RAK has deployed tankers and staffers to drain out the accumulated rainwater from roads.
Ahmed Al Hammadi, directorgeneral of the RAK public works department, said they had braced for the showers with 80 tankers and 40 pumping machines.
“The department, which recently drained out over 40 million gallons of rainwater, has come up with efficient and practical solution to prevent rainwater from flooding the houses of residents in the valleys and mountains.
“We have removed all the edifices, farms and makeshift houses illegally built on the valleys. Most of these were on Wadi Shawka, as well as Al Fahleen, Al Manaei, and Shamal areas, which have been flooded by the seasonal showers last year.”
The department has further fixed all the low areas, residential blocks and houses alongside the valley streams in the southern and northern regions of the emirate, he added. “These low-level areas mostly turn into water ponds due to the heavy showers.”
Preventive measures
To eradicate the problem, the department has also built four underground reservoirs for collecting rainwater and preventing them from flooding roads and houses, Al Hammadi added.
“We have also built a high concrete wall to prevent the overfilled valleys from flooding the houses of nationals situated alongside the valleys.
Earlier this year, the department conducted a comprehensive study of all the roads and residential areas of the emirate which were mostly affected and flooded during the winter showers.
“The four underground reservoirs, 12 square metres each, will put an end to the accumulated water, particularly as they have been built in the middle road islands to keep traffic flow and avoid road closure by water tankers, in case these reservoirs are full to the brim.”
More ground reservoirs are scheduled at all low-level residential areas, he said. “The drains on the road shoulders have been connected with the rainwater drainage systems.”
The wall built in areas near Al Fahleen, Wadi Shawka, and Shamal will stop seasonal showers from flooding nearby houses, helping divert the valley stream.
Alert for motorists
The RAK Police have also deployed road patrols to ensure traffic flow and recover stuck and nonfunctioning vehicles, if any, according to official sources.
“No serious accident has been reported on the roads and highways of the emirate due to the ongoing showers.”
However, all motorists need to be alert and careful, and reduce speed on the roads during the rain, he noted.
“Seafarers, beach and valley visitors and motorists are urged to be more cautious during the unstable weather.”
We have removed all the edifices, farms and makeshift houses illegally built on the valleys.” Ahmed Al Hammadi, director-general, RAK public works dept
Residents of the areas exposed to downpours and strong winds, are requested to be wary and immediately call 999 in case of emergency, they said.
“All residents are advised to avoid mountainous areas, and the strong currents of the valleys.
Motorists are requested to reduce speed, be attentive on the road, turn on their lights and observe traffic rules for the safety of all road users.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com