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Social media inundated with sarcastic, critical jabs at GAM over lack of winter preparations

By Mohammad Ghazal - Nov 03,2014 - Last updated at Nov 03,2014

AMMAN — Social media websites were flooded Monday with pictures of blocked streets and underpasses due to heavy rainfall, which wreaked havoc on the capital’s streets.

Jordanian social media users, whether on Facebook or Twitter, posted comments accusing the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) of negligence and lack of preparedness as the heavy downpour flooded a mall in Amman, inundated several shops across the capital and brought traffic to a standstill, causing road congestion in several areas.

The heavy rain elicited reactions that ranged from the humorous and sarcastic to rage on social media, with some slamming authorities for poor infrastructure and others posting doctored pictures of people diving and fishing in Amman’s streets.

“I have always dreamed of visiting Italy’s Venice, but thanks to God and GAM, Venice came to us,” Dina (@Idiinaa) tweeted.

“In the past, we used to take days off from school when it snowed, but nowadays if it rains for half-an-hour the whole capital becomes paralysed,” wrote Maen Khaldi (@maen_Khaldi).

Many Twitter users voiced their dismay over the situation.

“I think it is time GAM did its job. It is unbelievable. It has been the same story for the past 10 years; if it rains a little bit Amman drowns,” Sami_Jabri (@Sami-Jabri) tweeted.

Adham Etoom ‏(@AdhamEtoom) said flooding in Amman is a form of corruption since human and financial resources are not properly utilised.

Many tweeps, including Mohammad Altaani (@moetaani) wondered about the situation beyond the capital.

“If Amman, which is well-prepared and provided with services and drainage systems, drowned, what about remote areas in the country?”  

Videos of the flooded mall and pictures of streets across the country went viral on social media and YouTube.

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