(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Aqaba, Nov. 6 (Petra) -- The Ministry of Water and Irrigation, in cooperation with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), launched an awareness campaign on flood risks as part of the national program to produce flood maps in Aqaba.
The announcement came during a workshop held Thursday in Aqaba, attended by Secretary-General of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation Jihad Mahamid, Swiss Embassy representative Lucien Blandenier, Assistant Secretary-General Thaer Momani, Assistant Secretary-General for Southern Jordan Valley Affairs Raed Sooub, Director of Educational Planning and Research in Aqaba Faisal Hawari, Director of Education Abdulwahab Hajjaj, and several schoolteachers.
Mahamid said the campaign is part of ongoing efforts by the water sector to raise awareness of water challenges and flood hazards through a national flood mapping system, especially amid global and local climate change.
He noted that national rainfall maps have been reviewed and updated to identify high-risk flood zones and areas prone to flash floods that can cause severe natural and human losses.
He added that three flood maps have been developed in Aqaba in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy, with similar work planned for other governorates. The maps will be distributed to schools and local communities to promote preparedness and protect lives and property.
The campaign aims to introduce the national flood mapping program, outline the main activities of the national flood risk management plan, and highlight the importance of community awareness in reducing flood impacts.
Mahamid added that the ministry plans to expand the program's activities in southern governorates and improve coordination among relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation.
Blandenier said the launch of the flood risk management plan is a key step toward strengthening community preparedness and minimizing the effects of natural disasters through data-driven planning.
He reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment, through the SDC, to supporting national efforts to safeguard lives, property, and vital infrastructure, commending the ministry and its partners for advancing this important initiative.
He noted that the campaign will be implemented jointly with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the Ministry of Education in several schools across Aqaba, stressing its importance ahead of the rainy season to ensure necessary precautions and avoid flood-prone areas.

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