On Tuesday, the waters of the Nile River in Egypt underwent a sudden change, surprising and alarming citizens. Egyptians noticed the discoloration and turbidity of the water amid fears of pollution in the river, which is the primary source of drinking water in the country.
Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Mohamed Abd El-Aty, revealed that the turbidity and color change were due to the efficient operation of the stormwater drainage system, downplaying its impact on the water, and stating that it would dissipate within two days at most.
The stormwater carried fine sands that wash down from the mountain tops into the drainage channels and end up in the Nile, he said, noting that this turbidity has no negative effect on the quality of drinking water or agricultural lands.
He also pointed out the protective measures implemented by the ministry to shield people and facilities from the destructive effects of floods in Beni Suef governorate, which successfully mitigated the harmful effects of the heavy rains and subsequent flooding on the citizens, facilities, and infrastructure.
The Minister of Water Resources ordered a heightened state of alert across all ministry agencies and a reduction of water levels in the northern regions in tandem with the rain.
It is noteworthy that Egypt had experienced heavy rainfall and floods over the past Saturday and Sunday across several governorates, leading to the closure of several main roads and ports and halting travel between these governorates, resulting in traffic congestion on roads and crossings.
