Various governorates in Egypt are raising their readiness levels to receive the winter season and potential rainfall. The authorities are intensifying their efforts to clean and inspect stormwater drains and floodwater channels to ensure they are ready to handle any amount of rain and minimize the risks associated with flash floods. This proactive approach aims to protect lives, properties, and infrastructure from potential damage.
In the Red Sea governorate, an extensive field monitoring campaign is underway to inspect floodwater channels, alongside maintenance and upgrading work on existing facilities. The focus is on 38 valleys in five cities, including Marsa Alam, Quseir, Ras Gharib, Safaga, and Shalatin, with a total of 115 man-made structures. So far, 73 of these structures have been completed, and work is ongoing on the rest to enhance their capacity to handle floodwaters and ensure that there are no obstacles or encroachments that could affect water flow.
The Red Sea governorate's efforts include inspecting protection works in Wadi Al-Queih, Quseir city. This involves checking the artificial channel, direction control barriers, and collection lake (B1), which are part of a system to receive and manage rainwater and floodwaters. These measures are crucial for safeguarding developmental projects, roads, and surrounding areas from potential flood damage.
In the Minya governorate, the authorities are emphasizing the importance of close monitoring and coordination among executive bodies and the Water Resources and Irrigation Directorate. This is to promptly address any potential weather fluctuations. Minya has 34 floodwater channels east of the Nile, consisting of 12 natural and 22 artificial ones, stretching from Maghagha in the north to Deir Mawas in the south. Preparations include regular patrols of these channels, clearing them of debris and obstacles, and ensuring the safety of bridges and water flow paths.
The Luxor governorate has announced the completion of clearing all 8 floodwater channels, 16 artificial lakes, and 16 preventive dams in preparation for the rain season and potential weather fluctuations. The governorate has also prepared 5 lakes in Wadi Al-Madamud and 11 lakes extending from the Al-Toud center to Isna center in the south to address any emergencies and protect villages and hamlets.
In North Sinai, the governorate has undertaken the clearing of floodwater channels and valleys across various cities, removing any encroachments and conducting maintenance on dams. The construction of earthen and concrete dams is also part of these efforts. Meanwhile, in Matruh governorate, a comprehensive plan is in place to tackle flood risks and heavy rainfall, including clearing and monitoring flood protection structures and reviewing areas most prone to rainwater accumulation.
Matruh governorate's preparations involve intensifying monitoring of floodwater channels, removing any encroachments or obstacles, and reviewing 75 areas susceptible to rainwater accumulation. In Qena governorate, the authorities have completed the clearing of floodwater channels in Qous center, stretching 2.2 kilometers, to ensure safe water flow within the flood course. Additionally, work has been done on the artificial lake in Hajaza village and the Khazam flood channel, which is 6.8 kilometers long.
Key points
- Egyptian governorates are taking proactive measures to prepare for winter rains by inspecting and clearing floodwater channels.
- The efforts aim to mitigate the risks associated with flash floods and protect lives, properties, and infrastructure.
- Various governorates, including Red Sea, Minya, Luxor, North Sinai, Matruh, and Qena, are involved in these preparations.
