Dubai is facing significant challenges in the wake of historic rainfall that inundated the city over the past two days. Described as a “historic weather event” by state-run media, the rainfall exceeded records dating back to 1949, with the city receiving a year and a half’s worth of rain within 48 hours.
The heavy rainfall, which began late Monday and intensified on Tuesday, caused widespread disruption, including flooding of roadways and the airport runway. Dubai Airport, a crucial travel hub, experienced delays and disruptions in flight operations, with some flights being redirected or delayed.
Residents recounted scenes of vehicles being abandoned as water levels rose, highlighting the severity of the flooding. UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the government’s commitment to citizen safety and directed support for affected families, including their relocation to safe areas.
In response to reports suggesting cloud seeding as the cause of the heavy rainfall, meteorologists refuted these claims, stating that no cloud seeding was conducted. They urged the public to avoid misinformation and assured that the situation is expected to stabilize in the coming days, with cloudy weather forecasted.
As the city works to address the aftermath of the rainfall and ensure the safety of its residents, government employees have been instructed to continue remote work until Friday. Additionally, plans for infrastructure assessments have been initiated to enhance preparedness for future weather events.
