Al-Baha Municipality activates smart sensors to enhance emergency response and address rain hazards

Al-Baha Municipality activated an advanced system of smart sensors directly connected to the Emergency and Crisis Center; as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of dealing with rainy conditions and flood risks within the framework of digital transformation and the adoption of modern technologies.

The General Supervisor of the Emergency and Crisis Management Department at Al-Baha Municipality, Mohammed Al-Najem, explained that this step is an extension of the Municipality’s commitment to raising readiness levels and ensuring immediate response to emergencies through the use of smart technologies that enable accurate and real-time readings of water level indicators, contributing to proactive field decision-making and enhancing coordination with relevant authorities to protect lives and property.

He stated that the first phase of the project saw the installation of approximately 302 smart sensors in carefully selected locations identified by specialists based on field studies that included analyzing water accumulation sites and water levels in culverts, bridges, and drainage channels, helping to mitigate potential risks during rainfall.

Al-Najem noted that these sensors are linked to the "Emerg" platform, which allows real-time monitoring of site conditions. The Emergency and Crisis Center operates around the clock to collect and analyze data and take proactive measures. In the event of rising water levels, escalation procedures are activated and coordination is carried out with relevant departments within the Municipality and its affiliated municipalities.

He also mentioned that the Emergency and Crisis Center continues to operate 24/7, supported by the 940 reporting system. During the recent rainy conditions, a limited to moderate number of reports were received, including falling trees and rocks, water pooling, and hail, with no dangerous incidents recorded, thanks to God.

Al-Najem further explained that more than 500 field personnel, including supervisors, engineers, and workers, were deployed, along with more than 300 pieces of equipment distributed across 39 support sites, with close monitoring of over 100 critical locations in the region to ensure rapid response and handling of reports according to the highest safety standards.