JEDDAH, 8 August 2004 — Jizan Governor Prince Muhammad ibn Nasser yesterday emphasized the need to carry out new projects to prevent flash floods in the region. “The projects should consider the geographical features of the region,” he told a press conference after inspecting the flood-hit areas.
Prince Muhammad, who was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijeri, director general of the Civil Defense Department, and other senior officials, commended the efforts made by special panels to contain the situation after weeklong flashfloods created havoc in the region.
He said there are more than 3,850 villages located between the Red Sea and Surat mountains. “Farmers must refrain from setting up blocks that would prevent natural flow of floods and endanger neighboring villages,” he added.
According to press reports, 13 people have so far died in flood-related incidents in the region over the past week.
Earlier, Prince Muhammad chaired a meeting of government officials to discuss plans to distribute relief supplies among the flood victims. He also urged the media to enlighten the public to keep away from areas prone to flooding.
