Dubai/Sharjah/Fujairah: The Minister of Public Works has directed its teams to be ready for any eventuality such as flooding should rain continue to hit the country and affect the population and properties negatively.

Heavy to moderate rain lashed different parts of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan late Sunday afternoon, causing flood waters from the mountains and valleys to inundate Khor Fakkan, Mirbah, and Qidfa. Flood waters reaching hip level caused traffic to slow down on roads to and from Fujairah and to the closure of the main road leading to Kalba and Fujairah.

Abdullah Mohammad Bel Haif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works, on Monday issued directives to the ministry’s work teams to intensify their efforts to be ready to provide solutions for possible flooding brought about by heavy rain that can negatively affect infrastructure and citizens’ properties.

Al Nuaimi added that the ministry is working with local government bodies, and pointed out that they are fully prepared to deal with any incident or emergency.

He said that the ministry is working on renovating various projects, such as dams, in accordance with up-to-date systems that ensure the safety of citizens and their homes and properties.

Engineer Zahra Al Aboudi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Public Works, conducted a field visit to inspect completed and ongoing projects in the Eastern Region. Zahra also inspected and surveyed damage caused by Sunday’s rainfall to carry out the necessary procedures that support the efforts of local government bodies.

A forecaster from the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology on Monday said the bureau is expecting an increase in the amount of clouds associated with showers in scattered parts of the country beginning midday Wednesday. The northern, eastern, western and even coastal parts of the country, including Dubai, may receive showers, the forecaster said.

The bureau noted an increase in temperature by two to four degrees Celsius, bringing the temperatures to between 22C and 30C on Monday. The forecaster said this was due to the southwesterly wind coming from the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia. But this is expected to change by Wednesday afternoon once the wind direction changes that could bring about a fall in temperatures by 2C to 4C overall in the UAE.

Meanwhile, Sharjah Police’s Traffic and Patrols Department on Monday began distributing flyers and brochures containing advice to be followed during unstable weather.

Motorists have been advised to exercise caution on the roads and cooperate with the police to avoid accidents.

Police also urge people planning desert trips to check the weather forecast issued by the weather bureau to avoid putting their lives at risk.

Beachgoers are also urged to avoid swimming during unstable weather as they may be at risk of drowning. Search and rescue operations are extremely difficult during rough weather so everyone is advised to avoid going out to sea.

— With inputs from Aghaddir Ali, Staff Reporter, and WAM