Rain Alert: Authorities warn against venturing into wadis

The Directorate General of Civil Defense, Abu Dhabi called upon citizens and residents to avoid low lying lands and bottomlands of valleys or risk crossing water immersed valleys. 

The directorate also warned against venturing by car or on foot into water valleys and marshes, to avoid being swept away to their death by floodwaters. These instructions are in pursuance of the public awareness initiative launched by the ADP that promotes precautionary procedures and necessary safety measures, due to extreme weather conditions witnessed in the UAE and expectations of continuous rainfall.

Colonel Juma Al Dahmani, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense indicated that all civil defense departments are at the ready to deal with possible emergencies caused by rainfall. “There is full cooperation and coordination between Civil Defense Departments and the relevant authorities in each emirate to deal with the heavy rains and floods and prepare for potential emergencies,” added Colonel Al Dahmani.

Al Dahmani urged motorists to be cautious while driving, abide by designated speed limits, observe traffic laws, and refrain from speeding in such weather conditions to avoid the potential of slippage and traffic accidents.

He also called for caution with a renewed risk of flash floods on human lives and property in dry areas.

On the same note, Al Dahmani urged parents to monitor their children when in wilderness or parks for fear of falling into ponds, swamps, dams and valleys. “Parents should keep a watchful eye on their children, keep them away from such places, and take strolls in safe places that can be exited easily during rains and flash floods,” indicated Al Dahmani.

Colonel Al Dahmani reiterated the need to follow certain guidelines in cases of heavy rainfall and flooding; notably to pack a go-bag with important items to be kept in a location well-know to all family members; and to keep a fully stocked first aid kit on hand.

For his part, Captain Abdullah Hamad Al Tamimi, Head of Customer Service and Public Relations Section at the Directorate General of Civil Defense, Abu Dhabi advised wilderness travelers and campers to follow a number of safety measures during their trips. These measures include avoiding camping in water valleys in case of rain or flash floods, and not to risk crossing flooded valleys. “People should abstain from saving someone who’s drowning if they’re not good swimmers, or in cases of surging floodwaters.  In such cases, people can throw a lifeline rope or a plank to help the drowning victim without risking your life; keeping in mind that these sites are made of wet mud pools,” added Al Tamimi

Al Tamimi also called for keeping the children away from water valleys and marshes; avoiding low lying lands and bottomlands of valleys; abstaining from standing and using radio devices and cell phones in uncovered areas during lighting and thunder storms.

Captain Al Tamimi urged the public to listen to instructions, warnings and weather forecasts broadcast on radio stations to ensure their safety. He also advised them to be cautious when heading to evacuation locations and to remain calm.

Concluding, Al Tamimi urged motorists to use the recommended roads designated by the authorities, so as not to put their life and the lives of others at risk. “People need to be cautious and refrain from swimming in valleys and water ponds or heading out at sea. Such reckless actions are a major cause of drowning and deaths,” he said, adding that people should also refrain from going to high mountain areas.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.