Minister of Local Administration Eng. Waleed Al-Masri said that the rainfall amounts recorded in the central governorates, particularly Balqa and Madaba, which ranged between 70–80 millimeters, exceeded the absorption capacity of the existing infrastructure. This led to rising water levels, flooding, and the closure of a number of streets and tunnels.
اضافة اعلان
Al-Masri affirmed that the government is working to address critical hotspots through both urgent measures and long-term solutions, noting that some areas in Zarqa and Russeifa witnessed road closures due to rising levels of Zarqa Stream and its overflow into streets.
He explained that municipalities are working to prevent floodwaters from reaching several schools and the wastewater treatment plant through on-the-ground precautionary measures, stressing that citizen safety and the protection of property are top priorities, and that all relevant authorities are working toward this goal.
The minister noted that municipalities, joint services councils, and municipal affairs directorates—through coordination and cooperation with various entities—are continuing to address reported issues on an ongoing basis.
Al-Masri pointed out that infrastructure in several areas is more than 20 years old and is no longer capable of accommodating heavy and recurrent rainfall amid climate change. He emphasized the existence of hotspots requiring comprehensive engineering solutions, particularly in Zarqa and Hashemiyah Municipality, Madaba, the western Madaba–Amman road, as well as Karak Governorate, including the municipalities of Mu’tah, Al-Mazar, the town of Iraq, and Greater Karak, where water culverts were designed for lower volumes and now require reconstruction.
The minister renewed his warning against approaching wadi channels or residing in low-lying areas and floodplains, due to the real danger they pose to citizens’ lives, stressing that the ministry will take the necessary measures in this regard.
Al-Masri confirmed that the ministry has prepared a plan to address hotspots based on clear priorities across the Kingdom, in line with rainfall volumes. He explained that the government has allocated JOD 10 million for this purpose, in addition to JOD 4 million contributed by municipalities and an expected JOD 10 million contribution from the private sector. These funds will be used to address several hotspots, some of which will be handled immediately, while other projects will require longer implementation periods depending on priority.
He noted that work is currently underway to urgently address the most dangerous points and to take swift action with contractors to accelerate progress. He added that most of the reported observations—particularly from Madaba’s Al-Azaida neighborhood—were minor and were addressed as part of prior preparations for the weather depression.
Al-Masri added that the weather system is expected to extend to the southern regions of the Kingdom, with forecasts of heavy rainfall in the town of Iraq and the municipalities of Mu’tah, Al-Mazar, and Greater Karak. He explained that municipalities, supported by the ministry’s technical teams, have taken measures to mitigate rainfall impacts in hotspots, while emphasizing the implementation of long-term solutions, including replacing some pipe culverts with box culverts in the most affected areas.
The Minister of Local Administration stressed that all entities are working in a spirit of teamwork to safeguard citizens and their property, particularly on Petra Street, where efforts are ongoing to open culverts and address closures as quickly as possible.
He indicated that mayors have been tasked with fieldwork and coordination with relevant authorities—even outside their municipal jurisdictions—to ensure rapid response and the reopening of closed roads.
Al-Masri underscored the importance of adhering to public safety guidelines and avoiding floodplains, stressing that defying nature poses a direct threat to lives, and urging citizens to exercise caution during these exceptional weather conditions.
