Riyadh Municipality raises its readiness for the rainy season with 9,000 personnel

The Riyadh Municipality announced the commencement of its comprehensive field plan to enhance preparedness for this year's rainy season. This plan involves mobilizing significant human and technological resources to ensure the safety of residents and the smooth flow of traffic in the capital. This initiative comes in response to weather forecasts and reflects a commitment to strengthening the infrastructure's resilience against weather fluctuations.

A massive field force and logistical equipment

In detailing its operational plan, the Secretariat revealed the allocation of a workforce of 9,053 personnel , encompassing a range of specializations including engineers, supervisors, technicians, and trained field workers. Preparations extend beyond personnel; these teams have been supported by a substantial fleet of 2,123 pieces . These resources have been strategically distributed across the city's districts and vital thoroughfares to ensure rapid response to critical locations.

Strategy for dealing with water accumulations

The municipality's field teams operate in shifts around the clock, focusing their primary tasks on monitoring and immediately addressing any rainwater accumulations that may impede traffic or pose a risk to public safety. The plan relies on high-level coordination with the Emergency and Reporting Center, enabling an immediate response to any rise in water levels, especially in known problem areas and critical locations such as tunnels, major intersections, and entrances to residential neighborhoods.

Proactive measures and infrastructure maintenance

These preparations were not spur-of-the-moment, but rather began at the end of the last rainy season. During the summer, the municipality conducted a series of drills and field exercises to enhance the efficiency of its personnel in crisis management. Simultaneously, comprehensive and intensive maintenance campaigns were carried out on the stormwater drainage networks, including cleaning manholes and servicing pumps in tunnels, to ensure the drainage system operates at full capacity during rainfall.

Adapting to climate change and quality of life

In light of global environmental challenges, the Riyadh Municipality has updated its emergency scenarios to address potential weather changes that could bring heavy rainfall over short periods. These efforts are part of the Municipality's broader vision to achieve quality of life goals and transform Riyadh into a smart and sustainable city capable of adapting to natural changes. This ensures the continuity of municipal services and provides a safe environment for residents and visitors, in line with the capital's aspirations for sustainable urban development.