Ibb: Ibb governorate's emergency committee, led by governor Abdulwahid Salah, convened on Sunday to discuss the establishment of an early warning center aimed at mitigating flood risks.
According to Yemen News Agency, the proposed center seeks to bolster protection and prevention measures, enhance emergency response times, and safeguard lives and property. The meeting, attended by Secretary-General of the Governorate's Local Council Amin Al-Warafi and other key officials, examined a plan submitted by Deputy Director of the Civil Defense Authority, Brigadier General Fadl Al-Saadi, alongside a technical committee appointed to initiate the early warning project.
The rationale for selecting Ibb Governorate as a pilot for the project was explored, with discussions focusing on the roles of local authorities and stakeholders during the project's preparation and implementation phases. Presentations highlighted the center's potential to improve early warning capabilities and preventative measures, thereby protecting citizens and property.
Technical procedures for establishing the project, such as installing early warning systems, rainfall and weather monitoring stations, and water level gauges, were also discussed. These installations aim to provide accurate data to help authorities respond to flood risks promptly. Additionally, the response and early warning mechanisms were explained, emphasizing the dissemination of alerts to residents through audio and visual means when flood indicators are detected.
The committee approved the project study's commencement, identifying target locations for monitoring and early warning stations based on each area's risk profile and needs. Governor Salah stressed the center's importance for enhancing the governorate's emergency and disaster management system, particularly amid rising flash flood risks and climate fluctuations. He highlighted early warning as a vital preventative measure to minimize losses and ensure effective pre-disaster response.
Governor Salah underscored the need for stakeholder coordination to ensure effective monitoring, warning, and response. He confirmed the local authority's commitment to supporting the project's completion, addressing any challenges, and achieving its objectives of protecting citizens and property.
The Secretary-General, Al-Warafi, reviewed the governorate's geographical and demographic characteristics, emphasizing the need for heightened preparedness for flash floods and emergencies. He advocated for equipping the Civil Defense Department with necessary tools for effective response operations, thereby enhancing its capacity to protect lives and property.