Heavy showers on northern and southern areas of RAK

Ras Al Khaimah - The heavy rains have filled many of the valleys at the mountainous areas of the emirate, according to Emiratis and residents here.

Heavy showers have lashed different parts of Ras Al Khaimah on Wednesday, particularly the norther and southern areas of the emirate, spanning Al Manei, Shawkah, Al Ghalila, Jais Mountain, and Al Gheil areas. 
The heavy rains have filled many of the valleys at the mountainous areas of the emirate, according to Emiratis and residents here. 
Salem Al Khasun, an Emirati young man, said heavy downpour has fell on the Manei area where he stays. "We are all happy about the showers and go out to enjoy the fine weather." 
Abdullah Rashid, an Emirati of Shawkah area, said the Shawkah area saw heavy rain that the public roads were filled with ponds of water. "The people here are so keen to seen the rain water." 
The RAK department of public works and services, geared up for the heavy rain two days back, has deployed a big number of employees, tankers and pumps to suck out the accumulated ponds at the low level areas and major roads. 
"Up to 70 staffers have been deployed to handle the emergency situation, apart from 45 tankers, and 18 pumps to suck out the accumulated rain water," stated Eng Ahmed Al Hammadi, director general of the department. 
Most of the department machinery; actually eight tankers and six pumps, have been sent to the southern areas most affected by the showers, he added. "Two shawls were sent to the southern areas to clean the roads and remove the wastes." 
Warning, he said the strong wind has broken down a lamp post at the Gasidat area. "No casualties have been reported though, but the public are requested to report any big ponds of water, particularly at low-level areas and side roads." 
The department is also keeping an eye on the small bridges known as Abbarat to ensure rain water flow under the roads here, Eng Hammadi said. "The valleys are over flooded, and those Abbarat must always be clean to ensure water flow." 
Brigadier Ghanim Ahmed Ghanim, director general of the central operations, RAK Police, said they had to close the road to the Jais Mountain. "No traffic accidents have been reported so far." 
Traffic patrols have been deployed on all internal roads and highways to help the people, ensure traffic flow, and tow any flooded or nonfunctioning vehicles due to the showers and flooded valleys. 
"All motorists need to be alert, focus and careful, and reduce speed on the road during the rain," he said, noting that the road to the Jais Mountain has been partially blocked for people's safety. 
It is so dangerous for people to go out in this unstable weather, Brig Ghanim underlined. "It is so risky to go out or drive under the heavy showers, thunder storm, and thunders." 
Seafarers, beach and valleys goers, and motorists are urged to be more cautious during the unstable weather. "Residents of the areas much exposed to pouring showers and strong winds, are urged to be careful, and immediately report emergency cases to Toll (999) whereas simple mishaps can be reported to phone numbers: (072356611 - 072356600)."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah