Heavy rain pounded the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, resulting in widespread flooding and chaos on the roads. Portions of Dubai faced severe waterlogging, disrupting normal life and leading to the temporary suspension of flight operations at Dubai Airport, as reported by AP.
Dubai International Airport’s official Twitter handle announced a brief suspension of operations lasting 25 minutes due to the intense storm. Waterlogged roads surrounding the airport compounded the situation, with forecasts predicting continued unsettled weather until the following morning.
The world’s busiest airport experienced flight disruptions following overnight rainfall, with the city-state receiving over 120 millimeters (4.75 inches) by evening — an amount typically seen over the course of a year in the desert nation. Lightning added to the spectacle, occasionally striking the tip of the iconic Burj Khalifa.
School closures were widespread across the UAE, and government employees shifted to remote work arrangements. Despite the adverse conditions, some ventured out, encountering unexpectedly deep water covering roads due to the heavy rainfall.
Emergency personnel and authorities mobilized tanker trucks to pump water away from flooded streets and highways. In some areas, homes were inundated, compelling residents to bail out water from their houses.
While rain is rare in the arid UAE, it occurs periodically during the cooler winter months. However, the lack of proper drainage infrastructure exacerbates the impact of heavy downpours, leading to widespread flooding in affected areas.
Neighboring Oman, situated on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, also faced the brunt of heavy rains, resulting in casualties, including tragic deaths of schoolchildren. Condolences poured in from leaders across the region as the country grappled with the aftermath of the devastating weather.
