The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) has warned that massive swarms of the red locust from East Africa are expected to invade the southwestern coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The warning came as swarms and groups of the red locust were detected by MEWA's field survey teams and were dispersed due to the wind and rainfall as the scattered bands were spotted in the south of Al Laith.
MEWA confirmed that a ground survey is underway in all locations until the areas where locusts gathered in such large numbers are found, and thus the locusts are immediately combated.
MEWA pointed out that the current weather conditions in the southwestern coast, specifically from Al Laith south to Jazan, due to the continuous rain and clouds coming in from the West is favorable breeding conditions during winter.
MEWA stressed that the exploratory teams continue their work to eradicate locusts and prevent the spread.
MEWA, represented by Locusts Control and Migratory Pests Center, aims to control locusts and migratory plant pests by preparing comprehensive plans and approaches for locust survey and control, providing technical advice to reduce the spread of locusts and to protect agricultural areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as monitoring the movements of locust swarms in neighboring areas and during migration seasons, and overseeing locust control operations throughout the Kingdom's regions.