AMMAN — Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri on Wednesday stressed the need to adopt advanced, scientific and sustainable engineering solutions to rehabilitate infrastructure in areas affected by recent heavy rainfall across the Kingdom, particularly in Karak, in order to protect citizens’ lives and property.

 

During a field visit to Karak, Masri called for unified efforts by national institutions to rehabilitate damaged areas in a manner that reflects the growing impacts of climate change, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

The minister noted that several parts of the area have experienced unusually intense rainfall as a result of these changes.

 

He said that rainfall levels reaching approximately 70 millimetres per hour are unprecedented in Jordan and pose a significant challenge to existing infrastructure, underscoring the need to upgrade drainage networks and infrastructure to align with climate change.

 

Masri added that these conditions require the implementation of immediate, temporary measures to address their impacts, alongside the preparation and execution of permanent and sustainable engineering solutions.

 

The minister also highlighted the importance of rebuilding the damaged section of Karak Castle’s wall and preventing future damage, stressing the need to develop a comprehensive plan to preserve the castle and archaeological sites, rehabilitate heritage buildings and revitalise the streets of Karak’s old city.

 

He noted that these efforts come in line with Royal directives to implement an integrated plan to safeguard the castle and restore life to the historic city centre.

 

Masri warned against construction within flood channels and valleys, calling for intensified public awareness efforts and closer cooperation with citizens to prevent such violations, while seeking safe and appropriate solutions for existing buildings in these areas.

 

For his part, Karak Governor Qablan Sharif said that the governorate faced major challenges due to the heavy rainfall, with precipitation in some areas reaching around 130 millimetres within four hours, equivalent to nearly one-third of the governorate’s annual average.

 

He said that this placed severe pressure on drainage networks and infrastructure and exposed longstanding planning gaps.

 

Sharif added that a comprehensive report would be prepared in coordination with all relevant entities and submitted to the government, outlining the extent of the damage and proposed short- and long-term solutions.