Egyptian authorities activated local situation rooms in the country's governorates on Monday with sandstorms expected this week. In statements reported by Al-Ahram Arabic news website, Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said he had ordered a nationwide activation of the situation rooms, mandating governors to prepare equipment and emergency teams in water, sanitation, electricity, civil service, and gas departments. He added that water pumping vehicles and water pumps, as well as other preparations to face the impact of the rainfall, were all being made ready. Ismail also contacted the health minister to provide emergency vehicles where necessary. On Sunday evening, the country's meteorological authority issued a warning to expect sandstorms, thunder and rain in Cairo and other governorates from Monday to Thursday. Sunday's advisory comes less than a week after the country was hit with a wave of unstable weather last week. Several governorates witnessed flooding, causing damage to houses, shopping malls and university buildings, especially those located in the New Cairo area.
