Amidst the fluctuating weather and the rainy seasons affecting various regions of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Khalid Obaid Bawaked, a consultant in family, community, and allergy medicine, reiterated his warnings in an interview with Al-Youm newspaper, emphasizing the need to raise public and family awareness about the dangers of rain and flash floods. These warnings coincide with periods of rainfall that could leave behind water accumulations, posing a direct threat to life, especially for children, if not handled with caution and responsibility.
Hidden dangers beneath the rainwater
Dr. Bawaked explained that rain, while a source of joy and blessing, can conceal deadly dangers beneath its surface that children are unaware of. Among the most prominent of these dangers he pointed out were:
- Deep, hidden pits: where water covers the road markings, which may lead to children falling into drainage pits or ground cavities.
- Exposed electrical wires: These become deadly conductors of electricity when they come into contact with water, increasing the likelihood of electrocution.
The consultant called on parents to strictly warn their children to stay away from places where water accumulates and not to approach lampposts or electrical transformers in the streets during and after rainfall.
Children's curiosity and dangerous behaviors
Dr. Bawaked pointed to an important psychological and behavioral aspect: children are naturally curious and exploratory, which leads them to play in rainwater without understanding the consequences. He emphasized that playing in such water is highly dangerous, not only because of the risk of drowning, but also because of the bacterial and chemical pollutants it carries, which can cause skin and respiratory illnesses, in addition to the hidden currents that can sweep a child away in an instant.
He stressed the importance of children staying indoors during heavy rainfall, and if it is necessary to go out, they must fully comply with the instructions of the Civil Defense and the competent authorities, and head immediately to high and safe areas.
Shared responsibility and community awareness
In a related context, the importance of these warnings extends beyond the individual level to encompass societal responsibility. While the Kingdom has witnessed significant development in early warning systems and flood drainage infrastructure, individual awareness remains the first line of defense. The unfortunate incidents that occur during the rainy season are often a result of negligence in following safety guidelines or weak parental supervision.
Dr. Bawaked concluded by emphasizing that family guidance and close supervision of children are the cornerstones of disaster prevention. He urged families to teach their children how to act in emergencies and the importance of seeking help when in danger, stressing that safety is the result of a collaborative effort between family awareness and the efforts of relevant authorities.
