In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), heavy rains wreaked havoc on Tuesday, flooding major highways and causing chaos in Dubai. The downpour left vehicles stranded on roads and created massive ponds on streets. Meanwhile, neighboring Oman faced a grim situation as the death toll from separate heavy flooding rose to 18, with others still missing.
The rainfall, which began overnight, disrupted normal life in Dubai, where winds whipped around and flights at Dubai International Airport were affected. The city-state, accustomed to desert conditions, experienced an unusual deluge, with over 120 millimeters (4.75 inches) of rain soaking the area by evening. Lightning added to the dramatic scene, occasionally striking the tip of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Precautionary measures were taken across the UAE as schools closed, and government employees worked remotely.
Many residents stayed home, but some ventured out, only to find their vehicles stalled in flooded streets. Emergency personnel and police were deployed to navigate the flooded areas, while tanker trucks were used to pump water off roads and highways.
The UAE’s lack of adequate drainage exacerbated the flooding, as the arid nation is not accustomed to regular rainfall. Similar weather conditions were reported in neighboring countries like Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, where rain is also infrequent.
In Oman, the situation was even more dire, with heavy rains claiming the lives of at least 18 people, including 10 schoolchildren who were swept away in a vehicle along with an adult.
The tragedy prompted condolences from leaders across the region. Oman, situated on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, faces significant challenges in managing such extreme weather events.
The heavy rains in the UAE and Oman underscore the vulnerability of the region to rare but severe weather phenomena. As both countries grapple with the aftermath of the storms, efforts are underway to mitigate the impact on affected communities and bolster infrastructure to better withstand future weather extremes.
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