Dead sea: The National Center for Security and Crises Management (NCSCM), in cooperation with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the Jordan Valley Authority, launched the national flood mapping program at the Dead Sea as part of national efforts to address climate challenges and mitigate flood risks in the Kingdom.
According to Jordan News Agency, Brig. Gen. Hatem Al-Zoubi, Deputy Chairman of the NCSCM, stated that the program aims to safeguard lives and property by developing detailed maps of flash flood-prone areas, providing decision-makers with reliable tools for risk reduction and emergency planning. The project is being carried out in phases, beginning with Aqaba and followed by Wadi Zarqa Ma'in, with future stages set to expand nationwide. These maps are intended to support emergency response plans, enhance early warning systems, and raise public awareness.
Eileen Hofstetter, Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy, highlighted the completion of the first phase of the Jordanian-Swiss flood mapping program as a crucial step in strengthening Jordan's ability to protect communities and critical infrastructure against climate challenges. She noted that the program extends beyond technical mapping to promote safety, resilience, and sustainable water governance. The initial phase established a national coordination framework, strengthened technical expertise, improved data management, and enhanced the safety of major dams. Hofstetter reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to supporting the proposed second phase, which aims to integrate flood risk maps into national planning across various sectors.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Jihad Al-Mahameed, expressed gratitude for the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). He noted that the project provides a scientific foundation for urban planning and flood risk assessment, while reinforcing early warning systems and integrated disaster risk management nationwide.