MAHAYEL ASIR — Exposed wells and swamps have become a source of threat to children, as many children have drowned in various parts of the governorate. Asir region is considered to have the highest rate of rainfall throughout the year in the Kingdom. In addition, there are a number of valleys, swamps and ponds that cannot be fully accounted for, which have claimed many lives of children. The construction of earth dams for irrigation purposes has led to the formation of water pools posing danger to the lives of citizens. Furthermore, the fact that Asir region is famous for agriculture has caused a proliferation of wells, of which some are old and abandoned, but remain exposed. Asir Province Civil Defense spokesman, Col. Mohammad Al-Asmi, said the lack of family monitoring of their children, and the fact that houses have private pools has resulted in many drowning incidents. “Some of the wells completely lack safety measures and constitute a serious risk to young children. In addition, well pumps that operate on fuel are also a source of danger as a result of exhaust emission which leads to suffocation inside the wells,” he said. Al-Asmi explained that the Civil Defense has monitored wells in the region, in cooperation with concerned bodies, to determine whether these wells have the required safety means.
