DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Heavy rain floods major highways and Dubai’s international airport
A Historic Weather Event
Heavy thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, dumping the heaviest rain ever recorded in the country in just a few hours. The downpour caused major flooding on highways and affected Dubai’s international airport. The state-run WAM news agency described the rain as a “historic weather event” surpassing records dating back to 1949, before the discovery of crude oil in the region.
Unprecedented Rainfall
The rain started on Monday and quickly intensified on Tuesday, with Dubai International Airport recording 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rain. By the end of the day, over 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rain had soaked the city, well above the annual average of 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches). This extreme weather event disrupted air travel, as the floodwater made transportation to the airport difficult for passengers and aircraft crews.
Chaos and Struggles at the Airport
Passengers and airport staff faced significant challenges due to the flooding. Stranded individuals described the situation as “absolute carnage.” Ground transportation, including taxis and the Metro, were affected, and many people were left stranded. Some travelers attempted to walk or find alternative transportation, but floodwater prevented them from reaching their destinations. Authorities acknowledged the limited transportation options and flights affected.
Passengers described their experience, recounting how they got stuck on the flooded roads, while a kind bystander helped them cross a highway barrier with their luggage. Dubai International Airport acknowledged the challenges faced and expressed gratitude for the understanding and patience of passengers during the recovery process, which is expected to take time.
Citywide Impact
Dubai’s streets were inundated with floodwater, impacting daily life and causing significant disruption. Lightning flashed across the sky on Tuesday, occasionally reaching the tip of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The city’s driverless Metro also experienced disruptions and flooding at some stations. Schools across the United Arab Emirates closed ahead of the storm, and government employees worked remotely. Many workers stayed home, while others struggled with their vehicles stuck in the flooded roads.
Contingency Measures and Damage
Authorities dispatched tanker trucks to pump out the floodwater, and emergency personnel worked diligently to address the challenges presented by the extreme weather. Flooding caused some homes to take on water, prompting residents to evacuate or bail out their houses. Information regarding overall damage and injuries remains scarce, as some individuals were stranded in their vehicles due to the floodwaters. Tragically, in Ras al-Khaimah, one man lost his life after his vehicle was swept away.
Local and Regional Impact
The heavy rainfall extended to neighboring countries as rainfall was also reported in Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In Oman, heavy rains led to the deaths of at least 18 people, including 10 schoolchildren. Rulers and leaders across the region expressed their condolences to Oman. The United Arab Emirates and Oman face exceptional rainfall due to their arid climate, which sees rare bouts of heavy rain during the cooler winter months.
