Authorities are working round-the-clock to counter flooding and waterlogging in various parts of the country. Two days of heavy downpour resulted in slippery roads, waterlogging, traffic congestion, leaking roofs and much more.
The Meteorology Department has forecast partly cloudy weather today with chances of scattered rains with thunder and sudden strong winds at times.
Yesterday, the airport area recorded the highest rainfall at 22.5mm. Qatar University recorded 14.1mm and Al Wakrah 11.6mm while Hamad International Airport recorded 4.2mm, by 8pm last evening.
Various government organisations under the Rain Emergency team joined in coordinated efforts to pump out logged rainwater since Saturday to clear all affected areas.
Some 5.3 million gallons of water was drained out from areas under Al Wakrah Municipality from Saturday, with efforts continuing.
Meanwhile, 3.53 million gallons of water was cleared from Umm Salal in 883 tanker loads, according to officials. Some 28 tankers, six pumps and 66 workers are working round- the-clock in the area to clear water. In Doha, until yesterday noon, 1.14 million gallons of water was pumped out, mostly from Duhail, Central Market, Hilal, Dafna, Al Sadd and also Bin Omran.
Some 1.34 million gallons of rain water was removed from Al Rayyan, 1.59 million gallons from Al Khor municipality, 1.36 million from Al Dayeen and 1.59 million gallons from Al Shamal.
Meanwhile, more than 479,000 gallons of water was removed on Saturday from Al Shihanya and 145,000 gallons yesterday, according to the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.
Meanwhile, Ashghal had already set in place some 144 pumps in various parts of the country to drain the rain water. Ashghal officials stressed that best efforts were put to drain the roads immediately.
Omar bin Khatab tunnel on 22nd February Street had to be closed in collaboration with Ministry of Interior (MoI) to drain the area, they said. Al Waab, Salwa Road, Al Mamoura, Abu Hamour and Mesaimeer were the most hit on Saturday. Also, the Ministry of Interior had stationed patrols at various locations to ease traffic flow and has urged motorists to follow their instructions. The ministry has also asked people to avoid driving through flooded roads as any obstacles could be hidden in the water.
Car garages also reported a huge number of people turning up with damaged cars.
Today temperatures are expected to vary between 21 and 27 degrees C, while the mercury is expected to slide further at night.
In Doha, the temperature forecast is 21 to 26 degrees. Sea will be high with strong winds. Strong winds reaching up to 25 Knots are expected during thunder rains.
