Events dropped, traffic disrupted as roads turn rivers after heavy rainfall

Several popular events were canceled as heavy rain caused water-logging in many areas across the Island yesterday. Authorities had to work promptly to ease the inconvenience caused to the citizens and residents due to heavy rainfall. A number of areas across the Kingdom faced waterlogging, leading to traffic congestion while offering a tough time for motorists. Mara’ee Show 2019 was among the events canceled due to the rain yesterday.

Thousands of people were expected to attend the last day of the event. The organizing committee announced the cancellation in a statement yesterday and asked the public not to visit the venue as it is waterlogged. The Mulberry Festival, which was scheduled to take place at the farmers’ market was also canceled. Meanwhile, the University of Bahrain had to postpone some tests that were scheduled to take place yesterday.

Certain schools have announced a holiday today due to the water-logging issues it faced. “Civil defense and traffic call upon the public to follow general safety instructions, because of the rain, including driving carefully, keeping the safety distance and focus on the road,” the Ministry of Interior stated. “Traffic calls upon drivers to avoid driving on both sides of Buri tunnel, because of the rainwater, until resuming traffic flow.”

The MoI further stated that the Civil Defence, Traffic, Rescue (Najda) Police and Police Directorates dealt with several cases because of heavy rain. A car got submerged in rainwaters while crossing the A’ali tunnel. Works Ministry team rushed to the spot and used rainwater draining systems to take the car out.

Essam Khalaf, Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs, and Urban Planning, visited a number of areas affected by water-logging. On Friday evening, strong gusts toppled restaurant furniture near Najma Club in Juffair, according to a video shared by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications - Meteorological Directorate.