‘Freaky weather’ leaves Dubai and Oman flooded! Flights get disrupted as DXB floods

Heavy thunderstorms struck the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Oman, resulting in extensive flooding and disruptions across the city. This rare weather event, which saw Dubai receive more than a year and a half's worth of rainfall in just a few hours, has brought into focus the city's infrastructure resilience and emergency response mechanisms.

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Unforseen weather leaves Dubai flooded

Dubai, known for its arid climate, was caught off guard by the intensity of the thunderstorms. The city recorded over 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rain, a stark contrast to its average annual rainfall of 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches). The downpour caused major highways to flood, impeding travel and daily operations.

Roads turn into rivers as strong weather pours year worth rain [Image credits: Global News]

Impact on Transport Hub: Dubai Airport Operations Disrupted

Torrential rain hit the United Arab Emirates, causing widespread flooding. Dubai's major international airport diverted many incoming flights and temporarily suspended operations for 25 minutes. Numerous flights were delayed or canceled, affecting destinations like India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. The airport gradually resumed operations over two hours later. Flydubai suspended all departing flights until Wednesday morning due to the bad weather.

Similar disruptions were seen across Dubai and the UAE. Dubai International Airport is facing significant challenges in restoring normal operations swiftly, with delays, diversions, and crew displacement exacerbating the situation. Authorities advise people to avoid Dubai International Airport unless absolutely necessary and check flight statuses directly with airlines. Efforts are underway to recover operations as quickly as possible.

Tragic Loss in Oman:

Neighboring Oman experienced similar severe weather conditions, with the death toll rising to 18. Among the casualties were 10 schoolchildren and an adult who were swept away while traveling in a vehicle. This tragedy has prompted condolences from around the region and underscores the importance of weather preparedness and safety measures.

Apocalyptic Scenes in the UAE:

Eyewitnesses described the situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as resembling scenes from the Bible, with more than 4.7 inches of rain falling before 4 pm, matching the typical yearly average. Witnesses reported that roads around the airport were submerged, creating surreal scenes of affluent drivers in luxury cars 'stranded' in the flooded streets.

[Image via Twitter]

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The unprecedented rainfall in Dubai and Oman raises questions about the infrastructure's ability to handle such extreme weather events. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of robust emergency response mechanisms to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.