Sharjah Bolsters Rainy Season Defenses with 1,100 Staff, 580 Tankers, and Mobile Pumps

Sharjah is implementing a comprehensive emergency plan to mitigate flooding and ensure road accessibility during the anticipated rainy season. The municipality has mobilized approximately 1,100 municipal employees, 580 tankers, and 180 mobile pumps to bolster its readiness.

Sharjah Municipality has confirmed the completion of its preparations and enhanced the readiness of its teams to effectively manage changing weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and potential water accumulation across the emirate. These measures encompass operational plans, the deployment of technical equipment, and specialized machinery designed to expedite emergency response, maintain traffic flow, and safeguard lives, property, and infrastructure.

"Sharjah Municipality has strategically divided the city into five operational sectors, each overseen by a qualified team, to guarantee comprehensive coverage and prompt response to any affected areas," stated Obaid Al Tunaiji, director general of the municipality and chairman of the Higher Committee for Rain Emergencies. He further added that teams are prepared to coordinate and provide mutual support as needed.

Mr. Al Tunaiji elaborated on the preparatory efforts, noting that they included the 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. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, director of technical services and deputy chairman of the Higher Committee of Rain Emergencies, reported that the municipality has allocated 1,100 specialized personnel, comprising committee heads, engineers, technicians, supervisors, and support staff.

"We have provisioned 180 of the municipality's own water tankers, supplemented by 400 tankers from the private sector, and 180 mobile pumps of varying capacities," Mr. Al Suwaidi announced. "Furthermore, five additional innovative dam pumps have been deployed to enhance the speed and efficiency of accumulated rainwater removal."

In its efforts to improve capacity and reduce flood risks, the municipality has constructed 70 rainwater collection ponds and cleared 40,000 drains. 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 installed in tunnels connecting the Al Suyoh suburb to the existing drainage network, and another pumping line has been established in Al Blaida.

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