Widespread flooding hits Kuwait after 6 months’ worth of rain in several days

Heavy rains have fallen over the past few days in Kuwait, resulting in flooded roads, schools, homes, and hospitals. Al Sabriya received the highest amount of rain — around 134 mm (5.2 inches) or about six times the average rain for the month of November.

Heavy rains have been affecting the country over the past few days, from Jahra to Salwa, clogging manholes and forcing authorities to activate an emergency plan. 

Homes, schools, and hospitals were damaged during the storm, while many motorists had to brave the flooded roads.

In Jahra, many trees were downed across main streets, prompting several drivers to volunteer to remove them, despite intense rains still pouring.

Firefighters alerted stations in case of emergency, while the Public Relations and Information Department advised citizens to take extra precautions and be vigilant.

Al Sabriya, an area in northern Kuwait, recorded the highest amount of rainfall — 134 mm (5.2 inches) in several days. This is more than 6 months of its November rain (20.3 mm (0.8 inches)).

The Assistant Undersecretary for the Electrical Distribution Networks Sector, Mutlaq Al Otaibi, reported that there were a total of 50 outages across the country in just a few hours.

The Ministry of Education advised teachers and staff at schools to stay at home until the situation improves.

Many locals took to social media to express disappointment about the disaster, saying that years of failed planning led to poor infrastructure.

Featured image credit: Disasters News/YouTube