Dubai: Civic authorities have urged residents not to drive near wadis and in rural areas to prevent accidents and risk of drowning during unstable weather.
A senior municipal authority on Wednesday told Gulf News that as the cooler weather hits, drivers should not take their 4x4 vehicles into high-risk areas, including Shwaib, Wadi Bih, Wadi Sana, Musandam and Khasab.
“Residents should use a suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle for easy movement, and they should carry all the required maintenance tools in the event of any damage to the tyres. Above all, drivers should learn how to change a tyre before heading out on a camping trip,” said Sultan Al Suwaidi, head of Public Safety Section at Dubai Municipality.
“To avoid any accidents, residents should not drive into valleys when it is raining and always pay attention to the road,” said Al Suwaidi.
As the country expects a dramatic drop in temperatures, Dubai Municipality have cautioned residents to take the necessary precautions in order to avoid any accidents.
“Drivers should not speed in excess and it is important for all to note that they should not drive near wadis as their vehicle can unexpectedly get drawn in, and they should always drive within a safe distance,” explained Al Suwaidi.
Police in Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah have also warned motorists to take extra care while on the roads during unstable weather, with heavy rain forecast in the coming days.
Authorities in the northern emirates have urged residents to reduce speed and to be more careful while driving. Police patrols will be deployed on interior and external roads to regulate traffic movement and the municipality’s water tankers will be also on the road to pump out rain water.
“To protect campers, the Roads and Transport Authority, Civil Defence, police and the Emergency and Rescue Department have set up camps and rolled out patrols to inspect the camping areas 24 hours a day,” he added.
“To have a safe time outdoors, residents should understand that tents should be set up in safe areas, and that tents and generators are set up and used in a safe manner, and fires and grills used safely,” said Al Suwaidi.
Brigadier Ganem Ahmad Ganem, Director General of Central Operations at Ras Al Khaimah Police, urged hikers and campers to monitor weather changes and to avoid valleys, rainwater swamps and natural water canals, as well as the sea.
He said other precautions to be taken include protecting the environment and avoid throwing waste in an unhealthy and unsafe manner.
“Residents should avoid pouring water in small burrows, as it can push scorpions and other harmful insects from their habitat, and they should take precaution when lifting rocks as you do not know what kind of harmful animals or insects may be hidden underneath,” he added.
- With inputs by Aghaddir Ali, Staff Reporter
