‘Gov’t agencies at the ready for potential weather emergencies’

AMMAN — In light of the weather depression that started affecting the Kingdom on Tuesday, forecast to peak on Wednesday, government agencies reaffirmed their “readiness” to deal with any potential emergencies.

The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) said it is on “maximum alert” to deal with the weather depression, with its cadres and equipment at the ready near tunnels to deal with any possible flooding, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Around 2,500 personnel from GAM are in the field to deal with the expected rainfall and any potential snow, Petra reported, adding that the municipality dispatched the field teams to traffic intersection, tunnels and bridges on main streets. 

GAM said the public can call the main operations room in Tlaa Al Ali on (06/5359970) or (06/5359971) to reach other operations rooms affiliated with GAM.

The municipality also urged the public to make sure large objects, like satellite dishes on roofs, are firmly fixed to prevent any damages brought on by strong winds.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply Yousef Shamali on Tuesday said his ministry has taken the necessary measures to ensure the availability of commodities and fuel in all areas, urging the public not to overstock on bread and basic commodities, Petra reported.

Shamali said the ministry continuously checks on the conditions of bakeries and provides them with the necessary amounts of flour.

The ministry has an operations room and a complaints office in the governorates, and people can also use the ministry’s application, website and Facebook page to file any complaints, the official added. 

For his part, Hatem Azrui, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, said the ministry has prepared for any emergencies related to the unstable weather conditions. 

Health directorates and hospitals are working round-the-clock to deal with any emergencies, Azrui said, noting that the ministry’s hotline (5057921) receives any calls on health problems. 

The spokesperson also highlighted the role of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies in opening roads in case of closures to enable health cadres to reach patients. 

The Electricity Distribution Company (EDCO) also voiced its cadres’ readiness to deal with the depression affecting the Kingdom to prevent power disruptions within the areas it covers, mainly in Tafileh, Karak, Maan, Aqaba and the Jordan Valley. 

EDCO said the public can report power cuts round-the-clock by calling the free number (080022288) or (065001370). 

Moreover, emergency rooms can be also reached in Karak (03/2387219), Tafileh (03/2241004), Maan (03/2132308), Wadi Musa (03/2156050), Aqaba (03/2012458), Deir Alla (05/3573111), Azraq (05/3835121), Southern Shuneh (05/3581135) and Northern Shuneh (02/6587098). 

Meanwhile, the Military Consumer Corporation announced it will continue providing its services as usual during the depression, Petra reported.

The Central Traffic Department said it has started implementing the traffic plan prepared to deal with the depression in order to maintain a smooth traffic flow and reduce chances for accidents, urging the public to call 911 to report any violations by providing the licence plate number of the violating vehicle.