Heavy downpour lashes Bahrain

Manama: Bahrain's police and civil defence forces as well as electricians have had a busy day after heavy downpour pounded the country.

More than 80 road accidents were recorded in the afternoon when hours of continuous rains ominously reduced visibility and made roads slippery.

Traffic officials said that only four accidents caused heavy damage, but cautioned drivers to be more careful when driving in unfamiliar conditions.

"Please keep in mind that because of the rain roads become slippery and the traction between the vehicle tyres and the road is decreased. Drivers should keep at a safe distance from the cars ahead and must check their tyres, brakes and windshield wipers before they sit behind the steering wheel," Shaikh Abdul Rahman Bin Subah Al Khalifa, from the traffic directorate, said. "Damaged wipers dirty windshields and blind drivers. Caution is a necessity."

Bahrain's road network, already under heavy pressure to accommodate more than 400,000 vehicles, almost came to standstill in late afternoon with drivers, many of whom not used to driving in the rain, opting to drive slowly.

Several roads were flooded with rain water and pedestrians had to wade through muddy streets often with cardboard boxes, bags and other makeshift items futilely held over their heads. Most people had thought that there would be some drizzling drops and did not expect that heavy rain would be falling for hours.

Several families complained of power cuts that plunged them in darkness and municipal councilors were flooded with phone calls to help people confront difficult situations.

Meteorology services said that scattered rain showers were expected on Monday and Tuesday.