Amman, Jan. 29 (Petra) -- 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.

Brig. Gen. Hatem Al-Zoubi, Deputy Chairman of the NCSCM, said the program seeks 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.

He noted that the project is being carried out in phases, with the first covering Aqaba, followed by Wadi Zarqa Ma’in, and future stages set to expand nationwide. The maps are expected to support emergency response plans, enhance early warning systems, and raise public awareness.

Eileen Hofstetter, Head of Cooperation at Swiss Embassy, described the completion of the first phase of the Jordanian-Swiss flood mapping program as a key step in strengthening Jordan’s ability to protect communities and critical infrastructure in the face of climate challenges.

She emphasized that the program extends beyond technical mapping to promote safety, resilience, and sustainable water governance. The initial phase, she added, helped establish a national coordination framework, strengthen technical expertise, improve data management, and enhance 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 multiple sectors.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Jihad Al-Mahameed, expressed appreciation for the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), noting 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.

//Petra//WH