The training exercises aim to strengthen the readiness of fast response teams to handle the risks of heavy rainfall, safeguard public safety, and maintain the smooth flow of traffic during the rainy season.

Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has carried out field drills and training exercises to prepare emergency teams for the upcoming rainy season, which typically runs from mid-October to March.

The exercises were designed to test the readiness and rapid mobilisation of Ashghal’s fast response teams, focusing on minimising disruptions caused by sudden, heavy rainfall.

Practical drills included deploying hoses, operating diesel pumps, and setting up rubber ramps to drain water and keep major roads clear.

In a statement shared on its official X account, Ashghal said that “prompt mobilisation, effective coordination, and field knowledge are crucial for minimising risks and averting disruptions during rain incidents”.

The authority added that the fast response teams, equipped with specialised tools and modern vehicles, remain on high alert. Their duties go beyond technical interventions—they also monitor flood-prone areas and provide immediate assistance to affected communities.

While Qatar sees relatively little rain—averaging just over 71 mm annually—showers can be intense and cause significant disruption sometimes.

In previous years, heavy rain has occasionally caused water accumulation in parts of Doha, leading to localised traffic disruptions and delays.

Ashghal’s efforts aim to ensure that roads and public spaces remain functional and safe during such incidents, reinforcing the importance of preparedness as the rainy season approaches.