DUBAI: Dubai faced unprecedented challenges as heavy rains inundated the city, causing major disruptions to transportation and airport operations.
Massive traffic jams plagued Dubai’s highways, with flooding obstructing six-lane expressways following rainfall of up to 254 millimeters—equivalent to two years’ worth of rain—on Tuesday.
Dubai rains 🥺😔
Stay safe, stay indoors all in UAE 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/mYzg8K4yuI— Dr. Meeta Ruparel (@DrMeetaRuparel) April 17, 2024
Tragically, one person lost their life in Ras Al-Khaimah when a 70-year-old man was swept away in his car due to the flooding, according to local police.
Amid the chaos, passengers were advised to avoid Dubai Airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, unless absolutely necessary. Airport officials worked tirelessly to restore operations despite the challenging conditions.
This is how much every resident loves Dubai/UAE. Bravo to this man! 👏🏻 #ResponsibleCitizen pic.twitter.com/zrobQ4DtQk
— Wazhma Ayoubi 🇦🇫 (@WazhmaAyoubi) April 16, 2024
Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates airline, cancelled all check-ins on Wednesday due to staff and passenger difficulties in accessing the airport, compounded by flooded access roads and disruptions to metro services.
The previous day’s downpour resulted in numerous flight delays, cancellations, and diversions, affecting scores of passengers.
The situation is bad in Dubai….. pic.twitter.com/dRSSDIpbVC
— Sir. Mlungisi Mgazi (@Mlu__N7) April 17, 2024
The storm not only impacted Dubai but also struck the UAE and Bahrain after affecting Oman, where it claimed the lives of 18 individuals, including several children.
Climatologist Friederike Otto highlighted the likelihood that climate change exacerbated these extreme weather events, making this the highest recorded rainfall since 1949—prior to the UAE’s formation in 1971.
How do we address future #flood like this recent devastating flood that happened in Dubai ( a country famous for its dramatic skyscrapers, and above them all looms the Burj Khalifa, shaped like a deep-space rocket and, at 828m, the world's tallest building.)?
Below are my… pic.twitter.com/4CxrdNF2iw
— Taiwo Ogunwumi (@T_Ogunwumi) April 17, 2024
