Smart sensors in the courtyard to counter the risks of rain and floods
In a pioneering step towards enhancing public safety, the municipality has activated an advanced system based on the installation of smart sensors in the courtyard, directly linked to the Emergency and Crisis Center. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of responding to rainfall and flash flood risks, within the framework of comprehensive digital transformation and the adoption of the latest modern technologies to protect residents and infrastructure.
Geographic context and digital transformation in crisis management
The Al-Baha region is characterized by its mountainous terrain and rugged topography, making it prone to flash floods and rapid water accumulation during periods of heavy rainfall. Historically, managing these events has relied heavily on human observation and traditional interventions, which can delay response times. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has moved towards adopting smart city concepts and employing artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in managing public facilities. This strategic shift has paved the way for a transition from a reactive to a proactive and preventative approach, where technology plays a crucial role in predicting natural disasters before they occur, significantly reducing material and human losses.
The importance of employing smart sensors in the courtyard and their overall impact
holds smart sensors in Al-Baha significant importance that extends far beyond local boundaries. Locally, this system contributes to protecting lives and property by providing early warnings that enable the evacuation of threatened areas and the precise deployment of rescue teams. Regionally, the success of this pilot project in Al-Baha makes it a model for other mountainous regions in the Kingdom and the Arabian Gulf facing similar climatic challenges. Internationally, this development reflects the Kingdom's commitment to implementing global best practices in climate change adaptation and disaster management, further enhancing the ranking of Saudi cities in safe and sustainable smart city indices.
Phase 1: Accurate monitoring via 302 smart sensors
The General Supervisor of Emergency and Crisis Management at the Baha Municipality, Mohammed Al-Najm, explained that this step comes as an extension of the municipality's commitment to raising the level of preparedness and immediate response to emergencies. The first phase of the project saw the installation of approximately 302 smart sensors in locations carefully identified by specialists. The identification process was based on precise field studies that included analyzing water accumulation points and measuring water levels in culverts, bridges, and waterways.
Al-Najem pointed out that these sensors are directly linked to the advanced EMERG platform, which allows for real-time monitoring of site conditions. The Emergency and Crisis Center operates around the clock to monitor and analyze data and proactively take necessary actions. In the event of any abnormal rise in water levels, escalation procedures are immediately activated, and coordination is undertaken with relevant departments within the Secretariat and its affiliated municipalities to mitigate potential risks.
Integrated system: 940 reports and mobilization of field personnel
The work wasn't limited to the technical aspects; Al-Najem also mentioned the Emergency and Crisis Center's continued, round-the-clock operation, supported by the unified reporting system (940). During the recent rainfall, a limited number of reports were received, including some falling trees and rocks, as well as water accumulation and hail, and these were handled professionally without any serious incidents being recorded.
To ensure a rapid response, the general supervisor noted the deployment of over 500 field personnel, including a select group of supervisors, engineers, and workers. More than 300 pieces of heavy equipment and machinery have also been strategically positioned across 39 support sites. These efforts are complemented by close monitoring of over 100 critical locations in the region, guaranteeing that all reports are addressed according to the highest safety and quality standards, and confirming the region's complete readiness to face any weather fluctuations.
