Sharjah Deploys 1,100 Staff and 580 Tankers for Rainy Season Preparedness

Sharjah is bolstering its defenses against the upcoming rainy season, mobilizing approximately 1,100 municipal employees, 580 tankers, and 180 mobile pumps. This comprehensive emergency plan aims to mitigate flooding and ensure continued road accessibility during periods of heavy rainfall. Sharjah Municipality has confirmed the completion of its preparations, enhancing the readiness of its teams to tackle anticipated weather changes, including intense rainfall and water accumulation across the emirate. The measures encompass operational strategies, the deployment of technical equipment, and specialized machinery designed to expedite emergency responses, maintain traffic flow, and safeguard lives, property, and infrastructure.

The municipality has strategically divided the emirate into five operational sectors, each overseen by a qualified team to guarantee thorough coverage and swift intervention in affected areas. This was confirmed by Obaid Al Tunaiji, director general of the municipality and chairman of the Higher Committee for Rain Emergencies. He also noted that teams will coordinate and provide mutual support as needed.

Preparations have involved the crucial maintenance and cleaning of stormwater drainage networks, servicing of pumping stations, and the expansion of existing water collection ponds, alongside the construction of new ones in various locations, according to Mr. Al Tunaiji.

Khalifa Al Suwaidi, director of technical services and deputy chairman of the Higher Committee of Rain Emergencies, stated that the municipality has assigned 1,100 specialized personnel, comprising committee heads, engineers, technicians, supervisors, and support staff. "We provided 180 of the municipality's own water tankers, alongside 400 tankers from private sectors, as well as 180 mobile pumps of different sizes," Mr. Al Suwaidi reported. "Five additional innovative dam pumps have also been deployed to improve the speed and efficiency of removing accumulated rainwater."

As part of its efforts to enhance capacity and reduce flood risks, the municipality has constructed 70 rainwater collection ponds and cleared 40,000 drains. Furthermore, nine new pumping stations have been installed along Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Wahda Street, Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, and Al Dhaid Road, collectively offering a drainage capacity of up to 1,200 cubic metres per hour. Additional pumps and drainage pipelines have been integrated into tunnels, linking the Al Suyoh suburb to the existing drainage network, while another pumping line has been established in Al Blaida.

Water tankers and pumps will be strategically positioned in residential areas and along roads, contingent on the anticipated severity of water accumulation. Recovery vehicles have also been allocated to assist vehicles that may break down or become stranded due to floodwaters. Residents can report damages or file complaints during adverse weather conditions by calling 993.