Heavy rainfall this year could block countries drainage network

KUNA

The Environment Public Authority (EPA) has predicted heavy rainfall this year that could overwhelm the drainage network’s capacity, unless various concerned bodies coordinate and combine efforts. EPA climate change department manager Sharif Al-Khayyat told KUNA that earlier studies had proved right by up to 80 percent accuracy according to UN’s calculations up to 2035.

“The studies showed that rainfall rates would increase by 100-150 millimeters in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, which exceeds the national drainage network’s capacity,” warned Khayyat, noting that such predictions had been sent to various ministries and government establishments for review long enough before the rainy season so that all possible precautionary measures could be taken to prevent flooding of roads and streets if heavy rain falls in a very short period like what happened last year.