Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Mobilises Emergency Plan as Heavy Rains and Hailstorms Sweep the City 6,500 Personnel and 1,800 Vehicles Deployed Across the Kingdom's Capital

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, has been battered by severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and hailstorms, prompting the activation of an emergency response plan. The downpour, which has caused flooding and traffic disruptions, is part of a broader storm system affecting the city and surrounding provinces.

In response to the adverse weather, Riyadh’s municipality quickly mobilized resources, activating a comprehensive emergency action plan aimed at managing water accumulation, maintaining traffic flow, and ensuring public safety.

The plan was implemented in three phases: preparation, intervention, and recovery. Preemptive actions included clearing water channels, ensuring stormwater drainage systems were functioning, and equipping the city’s emergency operations center for rapid deployment. As the rain intensified, field teams were sent to critical areas to drain floodwaters and regulate traffic, especially on major roads and around key public facilities.

A total of 6,500 personnel—including engineers, inspectors, and field workers—were mobilized to handle the situation, supported by 1,800 specialized vehicles and heavy machinery. This robust response ensured that flooding was managed promptly, and traffic disruptions were minimized.

To keep residents informed, the municipality increased communication efforts, releasing regular updates on weather conditions and public safety guidelines. The public was urged to report incidents using the “Madinati” (My City) app and the unified 940 call center. This allowed emergency teams to prioritize the most critical areas for intervention.

Despite the challenges posed by the storm, authorities are continuing their recovery efforts to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of Riyadh’s residents.