In the wake of the devastating floods in Jeddah, the authorities in Taif are now checking to see whether this region is prepared for such a disaster. Engineer Muhammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Mukharrij, the Mayor of Taif Governorate, said that a hydrological study is being conducted on the storm-water drainage network in all the valleys. He said the mayoralty has carried out numerous projects to protect residents against flooding, including the Wadi Wij Culvert which drains away flood water. He said they have completed the culvert project on the northern side and it will be extended into the west, to keep pace with developments in the governorate. The mayoralty has constructed culverts at different locations north and east of the governorate to facilitate the flow of floodwater. They have also removed obstacles in the existing natural flood courses. This was needed because Taif received rainfall every year. Al-Mukharrij lauded the Royal Order issued by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to provide assistance to the families of the dead in Jeddah. He said the decision to form a fact-finding committee on the causes of the Jeddah disaster, under the chairmanship of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of the Makkah Region, reflects the wisdom of the leadership. He also supported the King's plan to take action against negligent officials. Meanwhile, the General Presidency for Meteorology and Environmental Protection said it is expecting rain in the Makkah Region over the next two days. In a statement issued Wednesday, it said the skies were cloudy over the region.
