The rains have arrived with all its might today in Qatar. Accompanied by thunders, the almost non-stop rain that started in the morning enveloped most of the country in varying intensities.
The much anticipated showers triggered a torrent of responses on social media too. With netizens posting pictures of the season’s first major rain, the government departments promptly started issuing warnings and precautionary notes for the residents to keep safe while on the move and when remaining indoors.
In a morning tweet, the Ministry of Interior said that medium to heavy thundery rain reported in Doha city and other parts of the country. The tweet cautioned of low visibility in Shamal area due to wind accompanied by thunderstorms and urged motorists to take necessary precautions.
Medium to heavy thundery rain reported in Doha city and other parts of the country. Visibility is low in Shamal area due to wind accompanied by thunderstorms. Motorists are urged to take necessary precautions. Have a safe drive and a great day. #Qatar #MoIQatar pic.twitter.com/07a5taciSc
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 20, 2018
The MoI in another tweet advised motorists to slow down the vehicles and leave more space between vehicles, in one of its tweets. #MOIQatar #Qatar
As it continues to rain in different parts of the city and other areas, please slow down your car and leave more space between vehicles. #MOIQatar #Qatar pic.twitter.com/EBw7x3n2XO
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 20, 2018
The tweet was followed up by two more
As rain falls, it creates slick conditions perfect for skids. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tire's tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction. #Qatar #MoIQatar
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 20, 2018
Heavy rainfall in different parts of the country. Motorists are urged to exercise extra caution and drive carefully. #MoIQatar #Qatar
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 20, 2018
The Meteorology Department posted the radar images of the rainy clouds over Qatar.
آخر صور الأقمار الاصطناعية والرادار توضح تواصل هطول أمطار الخير الرعدية أحياناً. #الدوحة #قطر #الوسمي
— أرصاد قطر (@Qatar_Weather) October 20, 2018
Latest satellite and radar images show continued rain of variable intensity thundery at times. #Doha #Qatar pic.twitter.com/46UlbEPYk1
And this was one of the advisories the Civil Aviation Department issued:
????لسلامتكم .. pic.twitter.com/G3zUWLEnlI
— أرصاد قطر (@Qatar_Weather) October 20, 2018
The Ministry of Municipality and Environment promptly published Rain Emergency Numbers for all Municipalities.
Rain Emergency Numbers for all Municipalities..
— Baladiya (@Baladiya1) October 20, 2018
ہنگامي صورت ميں ان نمبروں پر کال کريں
?????????? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ??? ???? #rain #Qatar pic.twitter.com/TXO6aZR868
For those who are indoors, Kahramaa issued this note:
For any emergency during this #HeavyRain, call #KAHRAMAA #CallCenter 991 or report via KAHRAMAA #MobileApp.#BetterLiving#Qatar#SafetyFirst#QatarRain#KahramaaSmartServices pic.twitter.com/Gesu1o92o3
— KAHRAMAA (@kahramaa) October 20, 2018