Israel: In the eye of the storm
Amid predictions of storm, authorities prepare for floods across country, city halls' emergency staff on alert. Public, private organizations attempt to aid homeless
Snow is expected on Mt. Hermon and might even make a wintry appearance in Jerusalem, while the southern Negev may see sand storms.
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Most residents are engaged in preparing for the storm, while authorities work on flood prevention in high-risk areas.
Welfare services have prepared an outline for emergency assistance procedures for people with special needs and for residents whose homes are flooded. Social workers will patrol areas frequented by the homeless to convince them to move into a shelter for the storm.
City halls from north to south are aiding the elderly, infants, and bed-ridden patients with blankets and heating equipment. Volunteers have been recruited to distribute hot drinks to soldiers in transportation stations.
In the capital, Jerusalem Municipality is expecting low temperatures, rains, and fierce winds. The Maintenance and Safety Department will operate crew to support any potential casualties, while firefighter crews are on alert and ready to deal with area floods.
One non-profit, Yad Ezer La’Haver – which supports Holocaust survivors and the needy – distributed 300 heaters and 500 blankets among Haifa' elderly population.
Memories of storms past
In Bat Hefer, many still remember the last winter, during which the neighboring Shechem River overflowed and caused mass damage to the community. The regional council head said he hoped the devastating sights of last year would not be repeated.
Arab villages in the Sharon region are also hoping to stave off residential flooding. The mayor of Tira said dozens of city employees will be on call in case of emergency.
Baqa al-Gharbiyye residents remember the floods that ruined their homes last year. The storm warning increased the trepidation among residents.
The mayor assured his constituency: "We are prepared for all emergency cases. We prepared the whole crew and all necessary work tools. Plow drivers are on standby to rescue drivers and open flooded roads."
Maor Buchnik, Ahiya Raved, Raanan Ben-Zur, Hassan Shaalan, Gilad Morag, Noam (Dabul) Dvir, Matan Tzuri, Matti Siver, Omri Efraim, Shachar Chai contributed to this report
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