Dubai, United Arab Emirates experienced extreme flash flooding after receiving two years’ worth of rain in just one day. The desert city, which typically sees an average of 3.14 inches of rain per year, received 6.26 inches of rainfall. This unprecedented amount of rain led to normally dry creeks turning into rapids, flowing over roads and causing chaos throughout the city. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority advised all residents to stay at home and only leave for extreme necessities, with schools operating online and commuters working from home to avoid the dangerous conditions. However, not everyone heeded the warnings, leading to flooded roads filled with abandoned and stalled cars.
The extreme weather conditions also affected the city’s transportation system, with the second-busiest airport in the world, Dubai International Airport, suspending flights during the storm. Arriving flights were diverted or canceled, while departing flights were still allowed, albeit with delays. The airport announced that flights would resume once the weather conditions improved. The impact of the storm was not limited to Dubai, as neighboring Oman also experienced tragic consequences. Ten children were killed in Oman after a school bus was swept away by flash flooding, highlighting the dangerous nature of the extreme weather in the region.
As the region braces for another wave of heavy rain forecasted for Wednesday, authorities are urging residents to take precautions and stay safe. The unprecedented amount of rainfall has already caused significant damage and disrupted daily life in Dubai and Oman. With the threat of more flooding looming, it is essential for residents to listen to warnings and remain vigilant. The extreme weather event serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for unexpected natural disasters and taking steps to ensure the safety of oneself and others. Despite the challenges posed by the severe weather, communities must come together to support one another and recover from the impact of the devastating floods.
