Protecting citizens above all considerations — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday said that protecting citizens and their lives comes above all other considerations and is his top priority, noting that "Amman deserves the best and Jordan deserves the best", according to a Royal Court statement.

King Abdullah made the remarks during a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace with authorities concerned with dealing with weather conditions, especially in light of the recent rainstorm that caused floods in Amman, killing four people.

The King called for addressing shortcomings and always taking the public's interest into account, adding that emergency scenarios and plans must be prepared in partnership with all concerned authorities to deal with extraordinary weather conditions, particularly heavy rainfall and snow, and ensure public safety. 

At the meeting, attended by Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, King Abdullah stressed the importance of maintaining the highest degrees of coordination and cooperation among all concerned authorities to deal with weather conditions.

His Majesty expressed his keenness on raising the level of services offered to citizens, highlighting the importance of having an effective early warning system that enables concerned parties to prepare for urgent weather conditions and mitigate possible damage.

He directed all stakeholders to coordinate and cooperate in making and selecting new, clear measures to improve performance in dealing with severe weather conditions with speed and efficiency.

His Majesty commended the actions of those who “courageously” dealt with the situation — individuals and organisations — especially those who risked their own lives while attempting to rescue others. 

“It is during these times that Jordanians show their true mettle,” the King said. 

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Interior Minister Salameh Hammad, King’s Office Director Jafar Hassan, Amman Mayor Aqel Biltaji, Civil Defence Department Director Lt. Gen. Talal Kofahi and Public Security Department Director Maj. Gen. Atef Saudi also attended the meeting.