Kuwait - Hazards

Natural Hazards

Sudden cloudbursts between the months of October and early April can result in flooding and cause damage to roads and buildings. Kuwait does not have stringent building regulations with the result that you will hear of people who regularly have problems with leakage during severe rainstorms.

Air Pollution

There are 6 monitoring stations located throughout Kuwait, all of which are continually recording air quality. The oil wells, refineries and power stations are major causes of air pollution, and urban growth has been so dramatic over the past ten years that motor vehicles have now become a significant contributor.

Marine Pollution

The marine environment in the region has been under incredible pressure from the rate of growth, both industrial and urban, and the effect of the Gulf wars during which considerable levels of oil and by-products were dumped. Combined with the destruction of a great part of the agricultural and industrial infrastructure, particularly in the Shat Al-Arab estuary area, this has had a devastating effect. Discharge from tankers and oil platforms in the region has become a very serious pollution problem.

Oil Lakes

One of the legacies of the first Gulf war is the number of oil lakes that are still found in the desert. Covered by a thick layer of sand blown from the surrounding desert the lakes are an extreme hazard. They are so well disguised that camels regularly walk ‘over’ them only to fall in. Although not advisable, should you venture off-road into the desert for any reason make sure that you follow tyre marks of those who have gone before.