Haifa Prepares for Severe Storm with Enhanced Emergency Response
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Haifa is bracing for a severe storm expected from Thursday night to Sunday, with forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds. The municipality has intensified its preparations, reinforcing emergency teams and conducting preventive measures like clearing drains and inspecting potential hazards. Residents are advised to secure their properties and avoid flooded areas, while the municipal hotline will operate at increased capacity.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Haifa is preparing for a severe storm with heavy rain and strong winds expected from Thursday night to Sunday.
- The municipality is reinforcing emergency teams and conducting preventive measures to address potential flooding and disruptions.
- Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and avoid underground parking areas during the storm.
- The municipal hotline will operate with increased capacity throughout the weekend to handle storm-related issues.
The Haifa Municipality is preparing for a severe weather system expected to hit the region overnight Thursday and continue through Sunday. Forecasts predict up to 50mm of rain in short periods in Haifa and the north, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 50 km/h. This raises concerns about local flooding and disruptions, prompting the municipality to increase its preparedness for the weekend.
As part of its preparations, the municipality held a situation assessment with relevant parties, and field teams have begun preventive measures in sensitive areas. These include inspecting drains, culverts, and channels, clearing debris that could block water flow, and checking pumping systems and warning systems in underpasses. Trees and objects that could pose a danger in strong winds are also being inspected.
Drainage, road, sanitation, garden, security, enforcement, and municipal police teams will be reinforced and put on alert, along with pumping teams, vehicles, and engineering equipment ready to respond quickly to floods, road blockages, and fallen trees. The municipality is also preparing for potential hazards along the coastline and in public areas.
Residents are urged to ensure their drains and gutters are clear, secure objects on balconies and in yards, and avoid entering underground parking lots and levels during floods. The municipal hotline, 106, will operate with increased capacity throughout the weekend.
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav stated, "We are preparing for the severe weather responsibly and thoroughly. The municipality has very professional and experienced workers who have successfully dealt with severe weather systems and complex emergency events. This experience is a significant asset, and I trust our workers and their ability to provide a quick and effective response wherever needed. I call on residents to be vigilant, prepare according to the guidelines, and act with caution. We are ready, monitoring developments, and will act as needed throughout the weekend."
