His Majesty King Abdullah II today ordered the allocation of funds to equip the country's governorates with crisis-management facilities.

During a visit to the Civil Defense Department where he was briefed on the circumstances surrounding the recent snowstorm which stranded a number of citizens in the south of the country, King Abdullah ordered prompt establishment and equipment of a rescue unit for the southern governorates and the necessary funds for this facility. The King said a tender for the project should be issued before the end of this month and that the project should get underway as soon as possible.

King Abdullah said all institutions should ensure their effectiveness and competence in emergencies and crises, especially during winter when the country can face severe weather conditions. He said a high degree of preparedness and the ability to coordinate quickly should be institutionalized among all relevant authorities.

Noting the importance of efforts by the CDD personnel, the King said civil defense committees in the governorates should be activated and prepared to cope with emergencies.

During the visit, King Abdullah was briefed by the Director General of Civil Defense Gen. Awad Salem Al Masa'eid on the CDD's plans and programs to develop and improve the performance of the civil defense and to enable its personnel to provide the best service to citizens.