15 Nov 2018 | 08:39 AM UTC
Kuwait: Flights suspended at Kuwait Airport Nov. 15 (storms) /update 4
Heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast in Kuwait November 15-16; associated flight disruptions at Kuwait International Airport
Event
Flight operations remain suspended at Kuwait International Airport (KWI) as of midday Thursday, November 15, due to heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to continue until Friday morning. Incoming flights are reportedly being redirected to Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Manama (Bahrain). Associated road disruptions, along with potential power outages and infrastructure damage due to flooding, are expected.
Context
Flooding in Kuwait has left at least one person dead as of November 15. Minister of Public Works Hussam al-Roumi resigned on November 9 due to extensive damage to public infrastructure, while the Kuwait Oil Company issued a temporary state of emergency which was lifted on November 10.
Advice
Individuals traveling via KWI are advised to confirm the status of their flights prior to departure for the airport and contact their airlines for further information.
Individuals in Kuwait are advised to follow weather forecasts, prepare for transportation disruptions, and adhere to any advice issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
