Authorities are fully alert and have taken all possible measures to confront any emergency situation during the rainy season next month, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, said here Tuesday. The country's leadership is liaising with all government departments in order to cope with heavy rains forecast for next month. An inter-departmental plan has been drawn up in response to recent catastrophic floods. In 2009 Jeddah was afflicted by freak rains that caused massive flooding and an estimated death toll of more than 100 people. The cause of the problem was blamed on poor drainage systems and a poor response by authorities. “The flood problem has become the main concern for all relevant authorities. Their only objective is the safety of Jeddah governorate people and facilities,” Prince Khaled said. To implement the plan this year, all financial and human capabilities have been mobilized and emergency response measures put in places where rainwater accumulates. The goal is to provide a drainage system that removes rainwater that accumulates at intersections, main streets and alleys, Prince Khaled said. Water accumulation at main intersections will be removed within six hours after the rain stops; accumulation at main streets will be removed within 24 hours after the rain stops, and accumulation at alleys will be removed within 48 hours, the Emir said. Ahmad Al-Sleem, in charge of the Rain and Flood Drainage Project, said work on urgent projects is being completed. “We are coordinating with the Ministry of Interior, the Customs Department, King Abdul Aziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port to ship equipment and machinery by sea and air. Antonov airplanes, the largest in the world, are being used to ship equipment and machinery,” he said. Brig. Adel Zamzami, Director of Civil Defense in Makkah region, said that 16 support centers for emergency cases in Jeddah will be ready by November. The centers will be equipped with emergency response teams and equipment such as modern amphibious vehicles, rubber boats and equipment for evacuation.
