Dubai: Unprecedented weather conditions have paralyzed life in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the Gulf state witnessing record rainfall for the first time in 75 years.
Dubai, the UAE’s most populous cosmopolitan city, was also hit by record heavy rains, forcing the government to take immediate public safety measures amid severe damage.
The UAE’s National Meteorological Center has issued a red alert due to unprecedented rainfall, urging residents to remain vigilant and stay indoors as the weather continues to worsen.
While rainfall has stopped in UAE states over the past eight hours, the government has issued instructions urging people to stay at home.
Dubai’s leadership, during a meeting with crisis and disaster management teams, ordered immediate measures to be taken in the city during heavy rain emergencies.
According to media reports, Dubai has experienced its highest rainfall in two years in just one day.
Sanitation crews in Gulf states are busy draining rainwater from roads. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other states are working to clear water from roads.
An Emirati citizen was reportedly swept away by floods in Ras Al Khaimah.
According to the Meteorological Department, the Al Ain area known as “Khatm Al Shakla” received a staggering 254.8 mm of rainfall in less than 24 hours.
Thunderstorms and lightning continued overnight, adding to heavy downpours that continued into Wednesday.
Forecasters predict continued unsettled weather patterns from Tuesday to Thursday due to a prolonged “low surface pressure” system and two waves of violent weather sweeping across the UAE.
In response to escalating weather conditions, the UAE government on Wednesday directed employees to work remotely, extending remote working hours for government agencies and remote learning for private school students.
Private businesses are also encouraged to adopt remote working arrangements to prioritize employee safety.
Heavy rainfall in the UAE has affected vehicular movement on major highways, with owners leaving their vehicles on the road, causing traffic jams and even affecting roads leading to Dubai International Airport.
Transport services faced disruption, with delays and disruptions reported on public transport systems and flight diversions at airports due to adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, according to Arab media reports, heavy rains in Oman have killed 18 people so far; as a result, Omani authorities have also instructed people to work from home.
In Oman, most trams were flooded.
DXB faces disruption
Dubai International Airport (DXB) said on Wednesday it was working hard to resume normal operations as soon as possible after suffering severe disruptions due to bad weather.
Flights were delayed/diverted and affected by displaced crew members, DXB said in a statement, adding that recovery would take some time.
DXB temporarily diverted arriving flights on Tuesday night due to the storm and suspended operations for 25 minutes earlier in the day.
Authorities asked the public and passengers to be patient as airport management delayed arrival due to difficulties during the commute.
At least 46 flights from the UAE to Pakistan were canceled due to rain.
Congestion and tailgating on roads, including on major highways such as Sheikh Zayed Road, caused unusual scenes of commuters alighting from buses and taxis due to stagnant water.
In addition, power outages occurred in some areas, prompting residents to take precautionary measures to prepare for possible power outages.
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