NASA recently released images showing the effects of record rainfall in parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The photos, taken by Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey, reveal large areas of water covering the desert and urban landscape where there was previously none. Flash floods that occurred on April 16 caused water to engulf cars and led to the abandonment of vehicles on roads as water levels rose. The UAE experienced a year’s worth of rain in less than a day, the most significant storm since records began in 1949.
The first image captured by Landsat 9 on April 3 shows part of Dubai and the surrounding area before the storms hit. The second image taken on April 19, after the record rainfall, demonstrates widespread flooding in various parts of the emirate. The images have been color-enhanced to emphasize the presence of water, showing areas inundated with blue. The floods disrupted daily life, with schools and businesses closing, flights being grounded, and property being destroyed. Many residents lost power and running water, with some being trapped in their homes or airports during the storm.
The National Center for Meteorology reported that eastern parts of the UAE received up to 250 millimeters of rain in less than 24 hours, far exceeding the usual annual rainfall of 5.5 to 8 inches. The lack of drainage infrastructure and extensive urban paving worsened the flooding by limiting water’s ability to flow away. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with infrastructure damaged and residents still without essential services in some areas. A multi-story apartment building in Dubai-Sharjah border was evacuated due to structural damage and risk of collapse caused by the storm.
In response to the flooding, the UAE’s central bank has directed local banks and insurance companies to allow loan repayment deferrals of six months to assist flood-affected residents and businesses. The country continues to address the aftermath of the storm, prioritizing assistance to those most impacted by the disaster. The images released by NASA provide a visual representation of the extent of the flooding and the challenges faced by the UAE in the wake of the record rainfall. The country’s resilience and recovery efforts will be crucial in rebuilding infrastructure and supporting affected communities in the aftermath of the natural disaster.
