Sharjah has effective mobilised emergency measures to combat the summer rains that wrought havoc in several parts of the emirate over the last few days. 

 

The emirate had braced to address this anticipated summer deluge, by monitoring potential risks and reviewing federal response plans, to ensure the readiness of emergency crews and mechanisms, and spread awareness and safety tips.

 

More than 3,400 rescue and evacuation operations were conducted in the eastern region of the emirate by the Sharjah Police General Headquarters, which received and handled more than 10,782 emergency calls, with full support from 503 crew members, 101 emergency vehicles and 45 patrols. 

 

Teams from the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) partnered with relevant local and federal authorities, including Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Community Development, Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, and private sector entities to preemptively prepare for the dire weather conditions. 

 

Coordination

Brigadier General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amir, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police praised the coordination between the various federal entities and the Sharjah Police. 

 

He also commended the high level of professionalism, ability and readiness of the emirate’s emergency teams and other relevant entities, which were critical to deal with these exceptional circumstances, prevent damages and ensure the safety of citizens and residents in the emirate, as per the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

 

He extended his thanks and appreciation to all institutions, individuals, volunteers, and private sector companies who supported emergency teams to help those affected by the floods.

 

Evacuation

Evacuations were in full swing in the eastern region, where transportation and accommodation were provided to more than 2,100 affected people in schools and hotels in the area.  

 

Brigadier General Bin Amir noted that the Sharjah Police has assigned a special team to inspect the various emergency shelters, follow up on developments and ensure food supplies are provided to those in need.  

 

In flood-hit Kalba, 2,069 residents were moved into schools, while nurses were transferred from Fujairah to support medical efforts in Kalba Hospital. Etisalat engineers were also flown in by the Sharjah Air Wing Department to restore communications in the area, while a team from the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority endeavoured to restore electricity.-- TradeArabia News Service