Maritime movement returns to normal

AMMAN — Maritime movement returned to normal in Aqaba on Monday, after warnings issued by the Jordan Maritime Authority (JMA) to vessels on Sunday due to the prevailing weather conditions according to a JMA official.

On Sunday there were strong winds on the shores of Aqaba that reached a speed of 45 knots (some 65 kilometres per hour), requiring the JMA to issue warnings, the authority’s director, Salah Abu Afifeh, noted.

A depression began affecting the country on Sunday and brought heavy rain accompanied by thunder and hail, causing
flashfloods and several road accidents.

“The JMA warned vessels in ports and territorial waters, stopped moving vessels into harbours, and halted the unloading of a gas vessel as precautionary measures to guarantee public safety,” Abu Afifeh told The Jordan Times.

Wind speeds exceeding 25 to 30 knots (some 46 to 55 kilometres per hour) are considered dangerous for maritime movement, he noted, adding that the JMA monitors weather forecasts around the clock for any emergency conditions.

“Southerly winds are the most dangerous for Aqaba ports because they can move landing vessels towards the shores of the city,” the director said, adding that small boats are not allowed to leave shores until these conditions ease off.

As for aviation, Royal Jordanian Spokesperson Basel Kilani told The Jordan Times there were no delays or diversions in flights during the past two days.