Water Resources Management and Public Protection
Protection from Flash Floods and Rainwater Harvesting
An integrated system designed to reduce flash flood risks, protect citizens, facilities and infrastructure, and maximize the use of rainfall and floodwater as a renewable water resource.
From Hazard to Water Resource
With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, heavy rainfall and flash floods, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is implementing an integrated protection system while maximizing the use of floodwater and rainfall to support water resources and development in targeted areas.
Protection
Protecting lives and property, as well as cities, villages and vital facilities.
Water Harvesting
Collecting rainfall and floodwater and utilizing it in surrounding areas.
Groundwater Recharge
Enhancing the use of floodwater to recharge groundwater aquifers.
Climate Adaptation
Strengthening the capacity to address extreme weather events.
Protection System in Numbers
1,363
Completed Protection Structures
160
Million m³ Storage Capacity
4.5
Billion EGP Cost of Completed Works
60
Structures Under Construction
An Integrated System for Flash Flood Risk Management
Long-term, seasonal and proactive measures working together to reduce risks
Long-Term Measures
Constructing protection structures such as dams, artificial lakes, barriers, drainage channels and underground storage tanks.
Seasonal Measures
Regular inspection of flood channels and removal of encroachments and obstructions to ensure efficient floodwater drainage.
Proactive Measures
Using rainfall forecasting and monitoring rainfall locations and volumes to take the necessary measures before heavy rainfall and flash floods occur.
Rainfall Forecasting and Early Preparedness
The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation operates a Rainfall Forecasting Center that monitors the expected amounts and locations of rainfall before it occurs, enabling relevant authorities to take the necessary proactive measures.
These proactive measures include lowering water levels in canals and drains in areas expected to experience heavy rainfall, as well as ensuring the readiness of lifting stations and emergency units.
Forecasting
Monitoring expected rainfall amounts and locations.
Response
Providing data to relevant authorities to support appropriate response measures.
Key Protection Works by Governorate
Implementation of diverse protection and rainwater and floodwater harvesting structures in the areas most exposed to risk
North Sinai
50
Completed Protection Structures
Storage capacity of approximately 14 million m³
Cost of approximately EGP 154 million
South Sinai
510
Completed Protection Structures
Storage capacity of approximately 88 million m³
Cost of approximately EGP 3.2 billion
Red Sea
74
Completed Protection Structures
Storage capacity of approximately 54 million m³
Cost of approximately EGP 1 billion
Matrouh
729
Completed Protection Structures
Storage capacity of approximately 5 million m³
Cost of approximately EGP 113.274 million
Ongoing Construction and Rehabilitation Works
Continuing the construction and upgrading of flood protection structures
New Structures
60
Protection structures currently under construction, with a total storage capacity of approximately 24.9 million m³.
Rehabilitation and Upgrading
15
Protection structures currently undergoing rehabilitation and upgrading, with a storage capacity of approximately 9.7 million m³.
Matrouh and Red Sea
Construction and rehabilitation works are continuing on a number of structures in Ras Gharib, Marsa Alam, Matrouh and other targeted areas.
Environmental Dimensions
Water Resource Protection
Harvesting and storing rainfall and floodwater, utilizing these resources, and reducing environmental pollution.
Groundwater Recharge
Utilizing floodwater to recharge groundwater aquifers and support the sustainability of water resources.
Climate Change Adaptation
Strengthening forecasting, monitoring and early warning systems to address extreme climate events.
Development Impact of the Projects
Economic Impact
Reducing economic losses caused by flash floods, protecting investments and development projects, and supporting the development of desert and mountainous areas.
Social Impact
Protecting citizens’ lives and property, improving services and infrastructure, and creating employment opportunities during project implementation.
Development Impact
Providing water resources for communities, supporting agricultural and daily activities, and promoting stability in development communities.
Types of Protection and Water Harvesting Structures
Diverse engineering solutions tailored to the characteristics and needs of each area
Dams
Artificial Lakes
Barriers
Underground Storage Tanks
Channels and Flood Paths
Towards Safer and More Sustainable Flash Flood Management
Flash flood protection and rainwater harvesting projects contribute to protecting citizens and infrastructure, strengthening water resources, supporting development in desert and mountainous areas, and enhancing the country’s capacity to adapt to climate change.
