NEW DELHI: Severe thunderstorms swept across the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, resulting in significant flooding in Dubai. The desert city-state received an amount of rainfall equivalent to what it typically gets in a year and a half, all within a few hours. This intense weather event disrupted major highways and operations at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports for international travel.
According to meteorological reports, around 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rain poured down on Dubai late Monday, with the storm picking up in intensity around 9 a.m. on Tuesday. By the end of the day, the city had accumulated more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall. Typically, Dubai’s international airport sees an average annual rainfall of 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches).
Services disturbed due to Dubai Rain
Airport services
The scenes inside the airport terminal were chaotic, with reports of some families being turned away due to overcrowding. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed what some described as scenes reminiscent of the Biblical floods, with more than 4.7 inches of rain falling before 4 p.m., matching the usual yearly average. Roads surrounding the airport were submerged, and witnesses reported seeing affluent drivers in luxury vehicles seemingly “floating” through the flooded streets.
“Some reports suggested people were being turned away from the terminal, such was the level of overcrowding inside as hundreds of travelers looked to escape the chaos,” a spokesperson said.
Metro services
Metro services were disrupted, and police and emergency vehicles navigated through the waterlogged streets, their emergency lights casting reflections off the flooded surfaces. Even the iconic Burj Khalifa experienced lightning strikes against its structure amidst the tumultuous weather.
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The Rain Began on Monday
Dubai’s driverless Metro system encountered interruptions, with reports of several stations being flooded, affecting daily commuting. Schools across the UAE proactively closed, and remote work arrangements were put in place for government employees, with many in the private sector also choosing to work from home.
Authorities mobilized tanker trucks to pump water from inundated streets and highways. Residential areas were not immune, as some homes faced significant water ingress, leading residents to take emergency measures to safeguard their properties.
Despite the widespread disruptions, the UAE’s hereditary rulers have yet to provide a comprehensive assessment of the damage or report any injuries. However, in the northern emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, a tragic incident occurred when a 70-year-old man lost his life after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.
In the neighboring Sultanate of Oman, severe weather also took a toll, with the death toll reaching 18 due to the heavy rains. Among the victims were 10 schoolchildren and an adult, swept away while traveling in a vehicle. This has prompted condolences from across the region.
Authorities have announced the continuation of remote schooling and work for Wednesday as the region prepares for further disturbances in the weather. This uncommon weather event underscores the challenges faced by regions not accustomed to such intense rainfall, particularly in terms of infrastructure readiness and emergency response mechanisms.
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(With Inputs from agencies)
