Ibb: Ibb governorate emergency committee, in its meeting on Wednesday chaired by governor Abdulwahid Salah, discussed mechanisms to raise the level of preparedness and readiness to confront emergencies and complete preventive measures aimed at reducing potential flood damage during the rainy season.
According to Yemen News Agency, the meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of the Local Council, Amin Al-Warafi, the Deputy Governor for Health Affairs, Dr. Ashraf Al-Mutawakil, the Head of Al-Thawra General Hospital, Dr. Abdulghani Ghabsha, and the Head of the Technical Committee, Engineer Issam Al-Makhaderi. The committee addressed the matrix of needs required to enhance institutional and community preparedness, and the proactive measures to reduce risks and minimize any human or material losses that may result from flash floods.
The meeting, which included directors from relevant offices, reviewed progress in implementing tasks assigned to competent authorities. These tasks included inspecting and maintaining culverts and drainage channels, cleaning flood channels, and removing debris and obstacles that cause blockages, all contributing to mitigating flood risks.
Governor Salah directed all relevant authorities to raise their level of preparedness, take necessary precautionary measures for swift emergency response, and prepare field plans for rapid response and effective intervention in areas prone to flooding. He emphasized the importance of distributing tasks among relevant authorities according to their specializations, identifying priority locations, and reinforcing directorates with equipment, machinery, and emergency teams to ensure rapid response and minimize potential impact.
The governor stressed the urgent need to complete the work of opening culverts and drainage channels and cleaning flood channels. He also emphasized the importance of supporting the Civil Defense branch with technical and logistical resources necessary for performing duties efficiently and responding immediately to emergencies.
Governor Salah pointed out that confronting flash flood risks is a collective responsibility requiring integration between official agencies, local authorities, and the community. He emphasized prevention and advance preparation as fundamental pillars for minimizing damage and protecting lives and property, assuring that the governorate will spare no effort in providing available resources to support emergency and relief efforts.
He called on citizens to cooperate with relevant authorities, adhere to preventive guidelines, avoid being in or crossing flood channels during rainfall, and report any hazards or obstacles that may impede water drainage. He commended the pivotal role played by media and community institutions in raising awareness and promoting a culture of prevention, which contributes to protecting the community and mitigating the effects of natural disasters.
Governor Salah affirmed the commitment to utilizing all available resources to reduce flood damage and minimize expected losses. He noted the importance of the media office and local media outlets in educating citizens about flash flood dangers and disseminating guidance messages to enhance public safety.