Bahrain’s Civil Defence Council Reviews Emergency Readiness Plans and Early Warning Systems

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Lieutenant-General His Excellency Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence Council, chaired a key meeting of the council this morning. The session was attended by ministers from Foreign Affairs, Finance and National Economy, Municipalities and Agriculture, Oil and Environment, Electricity and Water Affairs, Health, Housing and Urban Planning, Media, along with the Chief of Public Security.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Interior Minister welcomed the attendees, noting that the council's efforts aim to further strengthen civil protection measures and enhance public safety across the Kingdom.

The council reviewed a comprehensive overview of national preparedness for potential regional threats. The discussion included scenarios for emergency situations and the roles of various government entities, focusing on improving readiness and coordination. Particular attention was given to national emergency response strategies, especially preparedness for radiological emergencies to safeguard public health and safety.

The council also reviewed joint drills conducted in coordination with relevant agencies. These exercises aim to improve inter-agency collaboration and raise national emergency readiness levels.

As part of efforts to bolster the country’s early warning systems, the council discussed a new national framework for wireless alerts. This framework outlines a unified strategy for broadcasting emergency warnings across both digital and traditional platforms, aligning with international best practices. It is set to become a central component of the Kingdom’s national alert system, ensuring quick and reliable public response during emergencies.

The meeting also addressed a variety of topics, including:

• Updating national emergency response plans,
• Enhancing the technological infrastructure of early warning and public communication systems,
• Improving the readiness of shelter centers,
• Training and upskilling civil defence personnel,
• Supporting sustainable initiatives within civil protection.

The Minister of Interior emphasized the importance of proactive planning and boosting the country’s emergency response capabilities. He stressed the need for clear action plans that define roles and responsibilities to ensure critical services continue operating during crises. He also called for regular risk assessments and expanded joint drills across ministries and government bodies.

The Minister further highlighted the importance of advancing early warning systems and ensuring alerts reach all segments of society through multiple communication channels. He underscored the role of public awareness campaigns and the ongoing development of the national civil protection platform, which provides real-time data and facilitates information sharing among relevant authorities.

At the close of the meeting, Sheikh Rashid expressed his gratitude to council members for their continued efforts to improve coordination and enhance preventive measures. He reiterated the importance of maintaining high levels of readiness to protect the safety of all citizens and residents in Bahrain.