A stretch of C-Ring Road near the former VIP Roundabout inundated after a rainy spell. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Qatar received heavy downpours yesterday with the highest rainfall recorded at Abu Hamour. The Weather Bureau has forecast scattered rains with strong winds and thunder in some areas today as well.
The showers have led to waterlogging in several areas, with flash floods wreaking havoc on some roads. Heavy downpours caused some of the popular malls, including one that is yet to open, to leak, and some shut down completely. Many shop and restaurant personnel had a hard time clearing water from the outlets using wipers and mops.
Abu Hamour received highest rain with 35.3mm, followed by Al Shahaniya receiving 27.3mm, Doha International Airport 23.3mm, Al Wakrah 18mm, Dukhan 15.8mm and Mesaieed 12.6mm. Hamad International Airport received 8.1mm.
The Meteorology Department had forecast heavy rains with strong winds for the last few days, while various authorities here were coordinating to ward off flooding on the roads. However, localised flooding was seen on main routes including Al Waab, Onaiza, Industrial Area, interior streets of Doha, and various roads outside the city.
Commuting through Al Wakrah was hard with waterlogging and road diversions due to an ongoing major project.
Meanwhile, Ashghal and Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) said teams were dispatched to clear waterlogging.
Emergency vehicles were deployed on major routes to remove some of the standing water. MME had earlier posted emergency phone numbers of all municipalities on its social media accounts for requests for clearing water.
The police and civil defence personnel were seen helping people stuck in waterlogged streets and underpasses.
Also, the Ministry of Interior has urged motorists to be cautious and to drive sensibly under these dangerous conditions — accidents and breakdowns are more than likely to occur. Drivers have been asked to clear water condensation on their windscreens by running the air conditioner for more visibility.
MoI also warned that since it takes longer to brake on wet roads, motorists should keep more distance between vehicles while driving.Qatar Animal Welfare Society on their social media account has appealed for help following flash flood on their premise, with many animals at risk of being drowned.
MET Department forecasts a fine to partly cloudy climate today, with scattered rains and strong winds in some areas. Offshore conditions will be high sea, strong wind and thundery rain at times. Winds could reach up to 25 knots during thunderstorms and waves could reach a maximum of 8 feets. .Day temperatures are expected to vary between 21 and 25 degrees C, while the mercury slide further at night. In Doha, the temperature forecast is 28 degrees during the day and 20 at night.
