UAE Hit by Record Rainfall
Dubai International Airport experienced flight disruptions due to the unprecedented weather condition.
The UAE is grappling with the aftermath of the heaviest rainfall in 75 years, causing widespread flooding and disruptions across the region in an unprecedented weather condition.
The deluge, which began on Monday night, has left the desert city of Dubai submerged under more than 142mm of rainfall by Tuesday evening—surpassing the average amount it typically receives in a year and a half.
The Emirati state run news agency WAM, described the downpour as a "historic weather event, the UAE witnessed its heaviest rainfall on record in the past 24 hours. Surpassing anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949, the downpour impacted numerous regions across the country."
The torrential rains claimed the life of one individual in Ras Al-Khaimah, where a 70-year-old man was swept away in his car.
Dubai International Airport experienced flight disruptions, while major highways became impassable due to flooding. Iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa also witnessed lightning strikes.
أعلن المركز الوطني للأرصاد أن دولة الإمارات شهدت هطول أكبر كميات أمطار خلال الأعوام الـ 75 الماضية، وأن منطقة "خطم الشكلة" بالعين شهدت هطول 254.8 ملم في أقل من 24 ساعة... لتحقق الدولة بذلك حدثاً استثنائياً يسجل في تاريخها المناخي. pic.twitter.com/Iir6ZS2Dzs
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 16, 2024
Homes were inundated, and vehicles were abandoned on waterlogged streets, with shopping centers like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates reporting flooding incidents. Social media posts depicted ankle-deep water in Dubai Metro stations.
The National Center for Meteorology issued warnings, urging residents to exercise caution and avoid flooded areas. Schools remained closed, and remote working arrangements were extended as authorities braced for further rainfall.