UAE weather: Police geared up for heavy showers

With heavy showers forecast over the next few days, Ras Al Khaimah Police are all set for the unstable weather with 50 traffic patrols across the emirate.
Major General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of the RAK Police, said all the police stations, ambulance and rescue teams are prepared to handle any emergency situation.
"Traffic patrols and men will be there at all roads and highways of the emirate to curb and deal with traffic accidents during the expected unstable weather conditions," he said.
Some roads and areas - mainly those leading to valleys - shall be blocked to prevent accidents and drowning as was the case with the Emirati man who recently lost his wife and three children after the floods dragged his SUV car into a deep valley.
"Seafarers, beach and valley goers, and motorists need to be careful about the unstable weather, particularly the heavy rains, fog, dusty winds and poor visibility, as per a report issued by the National Center of Meteorology & Seismology in the UAE," Major General Al Nuaimi added.
Traffic accidents during foggy and rainy weather are so dangerous and had ended up in serious pile-ups in almost all emirates of the country, Maj-Gen Alwan underlined.
"Residents of the areas exposed to pouring showers and strong winds are urged to be careful, and immediately report emergency cases to Toll No (999) whereas simple mishaps can be reported to phone numbers: (072356611 - 072356600)."
All drivers of heavy or light vehicles need to reduce speed on internal roads and highways, and avoid overtaking, Alkeem affirmed. "Safety space is very critical as well in this unstable weather and drivers may stop off the road in case of low vision for all road users' safety."
Meanwhile, Engineer Ahmad Al Hammadi, Director of the RAK Public Works and Services Department, said they deployed over 30 tankers for sucking any ponds or accumulated waters at the low level areas and major roads.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com