Civil Defense launches awareness campaign on the dangers of heavy rains
The General Directorate of Civil Defense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its tireless efforts to protect lives and property through proactive awareness programs. In this context, the Directorate is implementing its comprehensive awareness program for dealing with weather phenomena under the slogan “It’s Important to Know.” This campaign aims to promote a culture of prevention and raise the level of community preparedness for optimal response to weather fluctuations, especially during the heavy rainfall experienced in several regions of the Kingdom.
Climate change and the history of dealing with heavy rainfall
The Arabian Peninsula's climate is characterized by long periods of drought interspersed with sudden and intense rainfall. Historically, Saudi Arabia has experienced several exceptional weather events that led to flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas. With the increasing pace of global climate change, heavy rainfall has become more frequent, necessitating a significant evolution in Saudi Civil Defense strategies. Efforts have shifted from simply responding to disasters to a more intensive focus on risk management and proactive awareness, exemplified by the "Important to Know" program, which utilizes modern technologies and media to reach all segments of society before a disaster occurs.
Awareness messages and vital safety guidelines
The Civil Defense, in close cooperation with relevant government agencies, is distributing a series of awareness messages that clearly explain the meaning of weather alerts issued by the National Center of Meteorology. The campaign includes instructions on how to act during periods of severe weather, as well as safety guidelines related to rainfall. These guidelines emphasize the need to stay away from low-lying areas, water accumulations, and wadis (valleys), strongly warning against attempting to cross wadis during flash floods, in order to protect lives and property and promote public safety.
Expected impact of awareness campaigns on society and the economy
Awareness campaigns about the dangers of heavy rains are of paramount importance at both the local and regional levels. Locally, these initiatives contribute to reducing accidents and injuries resulting from drowning or being trapped in vehicles, thus alleviating the burden on rescue teams and the healthcare sector. They also play a pivotal role in protecting infrastructure and private and public property from severe damage, which has a positive impact on the national economy. Regionally, the Kingdom's experience in managing climate crises and raising public awareness is a model to be emulated in the Middle East, reflecting the advanced use of early warning systems and effective communication with the public.
Communication channels and requests for emergency assistance
The General Directorate of Civil Defense stressed the importance of exercising extreme caution when traveling or engaging in outdoor activities during periods of unstable weather. It urged citizens and residents to follow the safety guidelines and instructions published through official media outlets and the Civil Defense's social media accounts. In emergencies, the Directorate advised not hesitating to call the unified number (911) in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or (998) in the rest of the Kingdom for immediate assistance and rapid intervention.
