Egypt Denies Sinai Dam Collapse Reports, Cites Successful Flood Containment

Egyptian water officials have officially refuted viral social media claims suggesting the complete failure of flood protection dams in Nuweiba. They have assured the public that the existing infrastructure effectively managed significant rainwater surges following recent intense storms across South Sinai. Contrary to assertions of three-meter-high floodwaters breaching defenses, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has confirmed that all primary dams in the area are intact and functioned as designed.

Infrastructure Intact: Assessing the Damage

While online rumors accompanied by images of eroded ground circulated, the ministry clarified that the viral visuals actually depict damage to a coastal bridge support along the Sharm El-Sheikh–Taba highway, a structure outside the ministry's purview. The ministry did acknowledge, however, that some localized secondary barriers sustained damage. Specifically, a concrete barrier located 300 meters from the asphalt and a primary gabion barrier 600 meters away bore the brunt of the runoff and will require significant repairs. Additionally, a third barrier situated 1,600 meters out, which intersects with the circular embankment protecting the Arab Hamdan area, is currently undergoing technical assessments to determine necessary maintenance.

Harnessing the Deluge: 13 Million Cubic Meters Captured

The flood defense system within the strategic Wadi Watir basin proved crucial during the severe downpour on October 27, successfully capturing approximately 13 million cubic meters of rainwater. To date, the ministry has invested LE 660 million in the basin's infrastructure, which includes a network of 14 dams, 6 lakes, 20 barriers, and 3 Irish crossings, boasting a total storage capacity of 32.9 million cubic meters.

Future Expansion: LE 10 Billion Upgrade Plan

In the aftermath of the storm, specialized joint committees, composed of ministry engineers, the National Water Research Center, and experts from Cairo and Ain Shams universities, were deployed to inspect all regional water structures. Looking forward, Egypt is planning a substantial LE 10 billion phased expansion project aimed at capturing up to 76.37 million cubic meters of the area's estimated 87 million cubic meters total flood runoff capacity. This initiative will introduce 9 new dams, 15 lakes, 14 barriers, and 20 stilling basins, along with comprehensive road protection measures. The ministry concluded its statement by urging media outlets and the public to verify information through official channels and to avoid disseminating unverified rumors.