TOPSHOT – Cars are stranded on a flooded street in Dubai following heavy rains on April 18, 2024. Dubai’s giant highways were clogged by flooding and its major airport was in chaos as the Middle East financial centre remained gridlocked on April 18, a day after the heaviest rains on record. Giuseppe Cacace | Afp | Getty Images
The United Arab Emirates continues to reel from floods caused by the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the desert state, with airlines, banks, and city transport facing major disruptions and service outages.
Roughly a year’s worth of rain pummeled the normally bone-dry Gulf country in a span of just 12 hours. And in many homes and businesses across Dubai and other emirates, running water and power are no longer functioning. “The shower isn’t working.” “Can’t flush the toilet.” “Nothing is coming out of the taps.” Those and other similar messages flooded Whatsapp groups in Dubai on Wednesday and Thursday, as many residents living in villas found themselves stuck inside, more than a foot of water flooding the roads outside their houses and submerging their cars. One widely-shared message urged: “DO NOT walk through flooded areas and DO NOT touch metallic objects on the ground while in water,” warning of electric shocks. Still, with their cars out of commission and taxis avoiding flooded areas, some residents who ran out of food ventured out to buy groceries anyway. “Wear trainers and shorts and bring a backpack to carry your food back,” one resident of the upmarket Al Manara residential neighborhood advised. Video footage from some neighborhoods showed locals on surfboards and even jet skis to get around. Beiruti Flame Grill, a local Lebanese restaurant, was one of many Dubai businesses completely submerged — its staff are using a raft to get around the neighborhood.
Two men use an inflatable bed to float above the water as downpour causes heavy flooding in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on April 17, 2024. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
“Some friends of ours have lost almost everything — houses up to waist in water. Been horrible for lots of people,” one resident, who declined to be named due to professional restrictions, told CNBC. For others, the weather disaster brought out the best in their communities. “Our community has honestly been amazing, banded together and helped each other where they could,” Samantha Denichaud, a movement therapist living in Dubai, told CNBC. “I think it’s been a time where neighbors who otherwise would never have connected have gotten to know one another. It’s been horrible but also strangely amazing.” She described residents cooking meals and donating blankets and toiletries to security and maintenance workers who were unable to get back to their homes.
A man steers his canoe on a flooded street in Dubai following heavy rains on April 18, 2024. Dubai’s giant highways were clogged by flooding and its major airport was in chaos as the Middle East financial center remained gridlocked on April 18, a day after the heaviest rains on record. Giuseppe Cacace | Afp | Getty Images
Some parts of the UAE saw over 100 mm of rain between Tuesday and Wednesday — a 75-year record since the country began recording rainfall, according to country’s National Centre of Meteorology. The government on Tuesday issued a red warning, shuttering offices, school and banks across the country. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Authority warned residents to stay home and park vehicles in elevated spots away from flood-prone areas. Hundreds of cars were left abandoned on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Highway as drivers’ engines died while water rose around them. The city’s metro became an impromptu overnight shelter, as people working in and around some stations couldn’t get home. While water levels in some areas are receding and parts of the city are completely dry, some are still too submerged for maintenance and repair services to access. Police cars are blocking certain roads deemed too dangerous, while pumping trucks are working to empty the streets of water. A massive cleanup is underway and will have to continue for some time. The UAE’s Ministry of Interior on Wednesday evening announced the “end of the weather fluctuations” and said efforts continue to “complete the recovery phase.” Field work teams will “continue their intensive efforts to ensure full recovery and the return of life to normal in all affected areas,” the ministry’s statement said. Dubai’s airport…
The United Arab Emirates is facing major disruptions and service outages as a result of the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the desert state. Homes and businesses across Dubai and other emirates are experiencing power outages and water shortages. Roads are flooded, cars are stranded, and public transportation is disrupted. Despite the challenges, communities are coming together to help each other, with neighbors cooking meals and donating supplies to those in need. The UAE government has issued warnings and closed offices, schools, and banks in response to the extreme weather conditions. Cleanup efforts are underway, but it will take time to fully recover from the flooding. Dubai’s airport has also been affected, with flight operations suspended and travelers facing difficulties getting home. Some travelers are stuck overseas, unable to return to Dubai due to the disruptions. Despite the chaos, some individuals are making the best of the situation, finding unexpected blessings in the midst of the crisis.
Source link
