Dubai: Heavy rains pounded the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, causing widespread flooding in Dubai and disrupting normal life across the region. Meanwhile, in neighboring Oman, the death toll from separate heavy flooding rose to 17, the flash floods triggered due to heavy rain across Oman that is pounding the region since Sunday, National Committee for Emergency Management of Oman stated.
The rain began overnight, resulting in flooding on major highways and streets in Dubai. Vehicles were left stranded as roads became impassable, and flights service at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest for international travel, were disrupted due to gusty winds.
Emergency personnel worked over night through the flooded streets, with police vehicles flashing emergency lights to guide their way. Lightning illuminated the sky, occasionally striking the tip of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Schools across the UAE remained shut in wake of weather conditions. Government workers were allowed to work remotely, despite precautions, many roads were inundated with water, leading to vehicles stuck in the unexpected flooding.
Since rains are very rare in arid UAE, because of inadequate drainage water was logged on the streets. Local authorities deployed tanker trucks to pump water away from the streets and highways.
According to the initial reports, over 30 millimeters of rain fell in Dubai during the morning hours, with forecasts predicting up to 128 mm of rainfall throughout the day. Rain lashed neighbouring Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
In Oman, heavy rains in recent days claimed the lives of at least 17 people. Among the casualties were 10 schoolchildren who were swept away in a vehicle with an adult. On Tuesday, the government suspended the work of employees and workers in the public and private sectors in five governorates, due to the weather conditions. The government has allowed employees to work remotely if possible.
Early morning hailstorm with massive hailstones at the Daleel Oil Field in Oman 🇴🇲
▪︎ 16 April 2024 ▪︎
🎥 @Arab_Storms pic.twitter.com/d1kfLxuMcl— DISASTER TRACKER (@DisasterTrackHQ) April 16, 2024
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