KUWAIT: In response to the rainy weather affecting Kuwait since Wednesday, Kuwait Fire Force has been actively managing reports with no injuries recorded, the fire department said in a press release. The reports primarily involved vehicles stranded on flooded roads and rainwater accumulation in some areas, including houses with basements. The fire force successfully addressed these incidents, rescuing several individuals.
The meteorological department predicted rainy conditions to persist until midnight on Thursday, gradually decreasing from Friday dawn and resuming on Sunday. The ministry of public works acknowledged rainfall overwhelmed the rainwater network's capacity, confirming that teams are tirelessly working to remove excess water from roads.
Ministry spokesman Ahmed Al-Saleh assured continuous coordination with the civil defense and relevant authorities to promptly address any reports. The rain, varying in intensity across regions, prompted Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Jassem Al-Ostad to lead a meeting in preparation for the rainy season.
All private and public schools were closed on Thursday with classes held online. Vocational training institutes and Quranic schools were also closed, but Kuwait University said classes will be held in person.
Kuwait Meteorological Department's Director Abdulaziz Al-Qarawi reported varying rainfall levels across the country. Salmiya recorded the highest at 38 mm, followed by Jabriya (28 mm), Kaifan (26 mm) and others. The ministry of defense issued a statement warning campers and herders to not approach or touch any foreign objects discovered during outdoor activities and report them on the emergency number 112.
Anticipating thunderstorms and heavy rain in some areas, Qarawi advised caution on Thursday due to low visibility caused by dust-raising winds. The weather is expected to improve over the weekend, with a chance of rain returning on Sunday. Qarawi recommended monitoring the meteorology website and official smartphone app for real-time updates and weather warnings during fluctuations. – KUNA