Hurghada Checks Its Flood Defences Before the Autumn Rains

Hurghada has brought forward its preparations for the autumn rain and flood season, sending a committee out to inspect the valleys, flood channels and protection works that keep run-off away from roads and homes, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm.

The committee, formed by the city's crisis and operations management department, toured several sites, among them:

• the lake north of the city, behind the jojoba farm
• the culvert before the northern checkpoint
• the culvert after the northern checkpoint, at kilometre 34
• Umm Malka dam

The inspections checked the technical condition of each structure, along with the channels and watercourses, looking for obstructions, debris or silting that could stop rainwater and flood water running to its natural path rather than onto roads, housing areas and key installations.

The structures inspected were found to be in good condition and ready for the season, the paper reported, with field checks to continue as part of a plan to deal with flood risk early rather than waiting for a severe weather front.

The drinking water and sanitation company has separately been told to clear and upgrade Hurghada's rainwater gullies, drains and manholes, particularly in low-lying areas and at points where water is known to pool.

Governor Walid El-Barqi said the measures are part of a single system for the rain season, covering both the protection works and flood paths outside the city and the drainage inside it, to cut the chance of water standing in the streets and to protect roads and property.

The report does not say when the season's first rains are expected, nor which districts are considered most at risk.

Flash floods on this coast arrive fast and close roads, including the desert routes inland. A check before the season, rather than after the first storm, is the difference residents will notice.