Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Emaduddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

To ensure the safety of everyone due to the unstable weather conditions expected to prevail in the UAE from Friday until Sunday, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced that it had been decided that it would be left to the NCEMA teams in each emirate to switch to distance learning in most affected areas.

The authorities concerned would also close all roads leading to valleys, mountains and dangerous areas from Friday until the end of the air depression, it said, adding that it would be left to the local NCEMA teams to cancel tourist events and activities.

During a media briefing held in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, Fahad Butti Al Muhairi, official spokesperson of NCEMA, said the national emergency, crisis and disaster management system adopts a proactive approach to dealing with all challenges and risks. By doing so, the system enhances integration and compatibility in all efforts made and contributes to reducing and minimising the risks of crises and disasters and enhancing the response nationwide, he added.

‘SAFE AND STABLE ENVIRONMENT’

Stressing the national readiness for the unstable weather conditions for ensuring a safe and stable environment in all circumstances, no matter how severe they are, for the safety of society, saying: To ensure the achievement of preventive proactivity and effective response, the Joint Evaluation Team for Weather and Tropical Situations was held, headed by the National Authority.

Emergency, crisis and disaster management holds a series of meetings, in order to ensure the continuity and comprehensiveness of monitoring and follow-up of the expected air depression. Through these meetings and proactive measures, we emphasize the integration of the roles and responsibilities undertaken by the authorities, whether at the national or local level, which contributes to enhancing the ability to analyze. Effective response to the expected impacts, determining the readiness of the entities and providing a rapid and coordinated response at all levels.

“Predictions indicate the country is witnessing a strong fluctuating weather condition starting from the evening of Friday, March 8, until noon on Sunday, March 10,” NCEMA said. It continued, “The weather condition will be accompanied by strong and heavy rain, thunder and lightning, and sometimes hail, which leads to accumulation of water, flow of valleys, cumulus clouds accompanied by strong and heavy winds, low visibility, and possibility of flying debris.”

“The country will be affected by the weather condition from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, with the peak occurring from after midnight on Friday to midnight on Saturday,” it added. It also explained that starting Sunday morning, the weather condition will largely be concentrated in the Northern and Eastern regions of the country.

The weather fluctuation condition will gradually decrease and remain within the Eastern regions zone starting from Sunday evening and night. Different areas of the country will be affected by the weather condition, according to NCEMA’s statement.

The condition will start from the Southern and Western regions of the country and including Al Dhafra, Al Ain, through Abu Dhabi and surrounding areas.

The condition will later extend to Dubai and inner regions between Dubai and Al Ain. It will then extend to the Northern Emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.

“We emphasise the necessity of staying away from water accumulation areas, flooded areas, and areas expected to be affected by the severe weather conditions,” NCEMA said. “We urge to avoid gathering that may affect the work of the relevant authorities. It is essential to note that violating the official instructions and directives will be subject to legal responsibility, in accordance with Ministerial Decision No. (178) of the year 2017regarding precautionary measures related to safe conduct during emergencies,” it added.

The decision to switch to remote learning is left to the local emergency, crisis, and disaster management teams in each emirate, particularly in areas expected to experience severe impacts, NCEMA said.

The relevant authorities will close all roads leading to valleys, mountains, and hazardous areas starting from Friday until the end of the weather conditions. The decision to cancel events and tourist activities will be left to the local emergency, crisis, and disaster management team.

“We reassure everyone that all national and local teams are working tirelessly to provide maximum protection for all residents in areas that may be affected by the weather conditions,” NCEMA said. It also said, “We emphasize the importance of staying at home and only leaving cases of extreme necessity, parking vehicles in distant, safe, and elevated locations away from areas prone to flooding, streams, and water accumulation.” “We recommend taking preventive measures for hailstorms to minimise impact on properties,” it added.

“We urge all members of the community in such weather conditions not to follow any rumors circulated about the weather and to gather all information from official sources,” NCEMA said.