Sharjah Civil Defence enhances readiness to weather depressions

March 28, 2026 / 4:55 PM

Sharjah 24: Captain Huwaiden Obaid Al Ketbi, Duty Officer at the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority in the Central Region, stated that the Authority responded effectively to the weather depression affecting the country, especially in the Central Region. This was achieved through proactive preparations involving equipment and personnel, alongside thorough coordination with relevant authorities.

Raising preparedness level

Captain Huwaiden Obaid Al Ketbi, Duty Officer at the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority in the Central Region, revealed that Civil Defence teams heightened their level of preparedness before the country was affected by the weather depression. This involved preparing equipment, deploying field teams, and enhancing coordination with various concerned parties to ensure a swift response to emergencies.

Speaking exclusively to Sharjah 24, Captain Huwaiden Obaid Al Ketbi confirmed that field teams worked tirelessly, especially in areas affected by flash floods. Security patrols were deployed continuously to support residents and offer necessary assistance. He noted that the response time was swift, with reports being addressed within minutes.

Setting a comprehensive plan

A comprehensive plan was coordinated with municipalities, social services, the Air Wing, and the Sharjah Police General Command, which helped reduce the impact of the weather event and improve safety levels in the affected areas.

Al Ketbi explained that the main challenge was the nature of the wadis and the storm's impact. Nevertheless, prior preparation and accumulated experience from recent storms that affected the country helped develop operational plans and enhance field performance, which positively influenced the speed of response to the recent event.

Al Ketbi highlighted that public awareness and cooperation were crucial for the success of the efforts, as awareness was boosted through text messages and educational videos in various languages via social media, which helped increase adherence to preventive guidelines.