Why sandless sandbags are so important in the Middle East

The Middle East is renowned for its intense heat … but it can also be deluged by flash flooding.

People tend to think that the world’s original alternative sandbag, FloodSax, is only used in parts of the world such as Europe where it often rains and flooding is always a possibility.

But when it rains in the Middle East it quickly overwhelms gutters and drains, leading to flash flooding.

Thousands of FloodSax were sent to Kuwait a few years ago when a severe storm caused horrendous flooding and the company which devised and manufactures FloodSax – UK-based Environmental Defence Systems Ltd – has a dedicated distributor in the Middle East.

During that storm 138mm of rain fell on Kuwait in just 24 hours, more than it gets in an average year, and even shut Kuwait International Airport which was badly flooded.

Environmental Defence Systems Ltd managing director Richard Bailey said: “FloodSax have a well-established presence in the Middle East and, given the recent increase in flash flooding and severe torrential downpours across the Gulf region, our rapid-deployment sandless sandbags have become critical to protect public buildings, businesses and homes from floodwater.

“Flash flooding happens very quickly and is so devastating that it’s necessary to be prepared 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with FloodSax on the premises. In their dry state, 20 vacuum-packed FloodSax fit into one easy-to-carry box so they are space saving to store yet quick and easy to deploy in an emergency.’’

To transform the FloodSax into an instant sandless sandbag simply immerse it in water for around 5 minutes which the bag’s special polymer gel absorbs and retains, transforming it into an instant and highly effective flood barrier.

The middle east market is largely covered by Kuwait-based firefighting and emergency response products company Tankco General Trading Co.

Sales and marketing director Mathew Kurian said: “Floodsax are proven, innovative and practical for rapid flood response and emergency use. Our customers include facility management companies, banks and civil institutions etc.

“We see strong potential in oil and gas refineries, airports and municipalities around the Gulf Cooperation Council which is a political and economic union of six Arab states bordering the Persian Gulf - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“Floodsax has proven to be best in its class with feedback from customers like ‘works as advertised’, ‘much easier than sandbags’.

“There is strong customer support experience throughout Gulf Cooperation Council.’’