The UAE faced a weather challenge as heavy rains and thunderstorms swept through the emirate, prompting an orange alert issued by authorities. According to reports, residents woke up to downpours and strong winds in their neighborhoods, indicating the severity of the weather situation.
Preparations and Safety Measures in Place
In anticipation of the unstable weather, preparations were underway in the UAE for several days. Forecasts had indicated that Thursday and Friday would see the peak of the adverse weather conditions.
In order to ensure safety, advisories were disseminated across various sectors, leading to schools and offices operating remotely to avoid any risks.
Disruption in Flights and Transport Services
The adverse weather conditions led to disruptions in flight and transport services. Emirates, one of the prominent airlines, had to cancel several flights due to the challenging weather, resulting in reduced flight activity at Dubai International Airport.
Passengers traveling through Dubai were cautioned about delays as flights were rescheduled, according to an official airline statement. In addition, Dubai’s Road Transport Authority (RTA) temporarily suspended intercity bus services due to the rainfall, affecting commuters.
Closure of Public Facilities and Safety Measures
Dubai’s municipality took proactive measures by announcing the closure of all beaches, public parks, and markets in the UAE in response to the unstable weather.
These closures remained in effect throughout Thursday to ensure public safety. Moreover, a public alert was issued advising people to avoid valley areas, low-lying places, and to exercise caution while driving vehicles.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued alerts indicating heavy rains since midnight, with Dubai experiencing showers and lightning as early as 2:35 am. Local police in Dubai are closely monitoring the situation to respond promptly to any emergencies or safety concerns.
Previous Incidents and Preceding Weather Challenges
The recent heavy rainfall in the UAE follows a similar pattern of severe weather experienced on April 14 and 15. During that period, Dubai received over 14 cm of rain within 24 hours, marking the heaviest downpour recorded in 75 years.
Tragically, four individuals lost their lives after being trapped in flooded vehicles, highlighting the dangers posed by such extreme weather events.
The UAE is facing challenging weather conditions, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures and issue alerts to ensure public safety. The disruptions in flights, transport services, and the closure of public facilities underscore the seriousness of the situation, requiring residents to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.
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