Al-Ahsa and Hafar Al-Batin ramp up preparations for rainy season

The Al-Ahsa Municipality has increased its readiness for the 1448H rainy season by implementing a comprehensive plan that includes preventive and proactive measures, upgrading rainwater drainage networks and pumping stations, and preparing field teams and equipment. The plan also activates the emergency and crisis management system and strengthens coordination with Civil Defense and traffic authorities to ensure rapid response to rainfall incidents, safeguarding lives, property, and the continuity of municipal services.

The municipality stated that its preparations include carrying out preventive maintenance for rainwater drainage networks, cleaning inspection chambers and water traps, removing debris and sediment, maintaining pumping stations, preparing drainage outlets, and addressing issues affecting system efficiency to enhance operational capacity in handling rainwater flows.

The rainwater drainage system in Al-Ahsa comprises 21 pumping stations with a total discharge capacity of nearly 50 cubic meters per second, and drainage networks spanning over 450 kilometers, which are currently being maintained and upgraded as part of the rainy season preparations.

To further boost field readiness, the municipality has prepared around 300 pieces of equipment and machinery, involving relevant departments and affiliated municipalities. Technical, supervisory, and emergency teams have been mobilized and distributed according to geographic zones and previously identified rainwater accumulation sites, with priority given to critical locations to ensure swift intervention and response to reports and emergencies.

On the digital transformation front, the municipality has enhanced its monitoring and tracking system by installing and activating 366 smart sensors to automatically measure and monitor water levels around the clock via the 'Emerge' platform, supporting field situation tracking and improving response efficiency.

Al-Ahsa Municipality emphasized that its plan is based on continuous integration and coordination among departments, municipalities, and relevant authorities, monitoring rainfall events before, during, and after they occur, and directing teams and equipment as situations evolve to address water accumulation, remove obstructions and debris, and restore affected sites to full efficiency.

Meanwhile, Hafar Al-Batin Municipality has also strengthened its operational and field readiness for the rainy season, coinciding with the Wasm season, through a proactive plan aimed at enhancing the efficiency of rainwater and flood drainage systems and speeding up response to rainfall events, thereby protecting lives and property and ensuring uninterrupted municipal services.

Preparations include cleaning flood drainage channels, removing obstructions and sediment, upgrading drainage networks to improve capacity for handling water flows, preparing pumps and water extraction equipment, and raising the readiness of field teams to manage water accumulation and minimize its impact on roads and neighborhoods.