Heavy rains disrupt life

DT News Network

bahrain November 26, 2015

Heavy rains that lashed several parts of the Kingdom disrupted the usual and orderly flow of life yesterday, slowing down the overall pace of life as heavy traffic jams were widely observed on the roads.

Late arrivals in the private and public sectors ware widely observed. A school official told DT News that the attendance in the schools was also slightly affected while the late arrivals were quite common.

Ten minutes’ drive was almost converted into an hour’s drive, a resident said. However, the rains have brought a pleasant weather and the coming days are expected to be cooler and more pleasant.

According to the Bahrain Meteorological Department (BMD), 24.8mm rain was recorded at the Bahrain International Airport, which is considered to be a relatively large amount of rainfall within two hours.

The unsettled weather conditions will continue till afternoon today (Thursday) with a chance for downpours and strong winds.

The directorate urged the people to take the necessary precautions before going out, keep informed about the latest developments and warnings issued by the BMD regarding climate conditions.

The Ministry of Interior has issued very important instructions to the people asking them to avoid driving in the areas they were not aware of the depth of the water or with insufficient light.

“While driving, avoid low- lying areas and water gathering locations. In case of breakdown and fears of heavy rains ahead, leave the vehicle and go to a safe location,” advises the ministry.

The people are asked to be ultra cautious when they happen to deal with the hanging electricity wires anywhere across the country. “Don’t try to touch or move hanging electricity wires and inform the Civil Defence by calling 999,” the instruction reads.

It has been strongly advised not to use the wet electrical appliances and use lights that work on batteries. In heavy rain that could reach the first floor, move your necessary tools to the second floor and disconnect the electricity.

The General Directorate of Traffic has urged the drivers to keep and maintain safety distance between vehicles during the rain to reduce the risk of any accident during sudden stop. The drivers are also advised to check the rear wipers and tyres of their cars to ensure they are in good condition otherwise they can be in big trouble. Apart from heavy traffic jams, pools of collective water were observed on various streets yesterday.

In some areas, even the residents were bound to walk through the water with their shoes in hands or wetting their shoes. While the heavy rains have brought pleasant weather to Bahrain, it has increased the work of the cleaning departments as well as the cleaners at the offices and the household women. However, the absence of any accident during this period is a good omen, showing that the people sitting at the driving seats have become more cautious while driving on the roads of Bahrain.

Photos:Biju Haridas & Sathyan Perambra