In a region known more for its arid landscapes and scorching temperatures, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was thrust into uncharted territory as it bore the brunt of the heaviest rainfall seen in over seven decades. The deluge, which caught both residents and authorities off guard, plunged Dubai into chaos, exposing vulnerabilities in infrastructure and underscoring the urgent need for climate resilience in the face of extreme weather events.
Dubai is currently grappling with the aftermath of unprecedented torrential downpours that submerged the desert metropolis, as residents recount harrowing tales of spending the night in their vehicles and air travelers enduring chaotic scenes at airports.
Earlier this week, the typically arid United Arab Emirates received an extraordinary 259.5mm (10.2in) of rainfall, marking the highest recorded precipitation in the country’s 75-year history. According to the state-run WAM news agency, Tuesday’s rainfall was labeled as “a historic weather event,” surpassing any previous records since data collection began in 1949.
The startling footage depicted the runway of Dubai International Airport, which was recently ranked as the second-busiest airport globally, submerged underwater. Massive aircraft struggled to navigate through the floodwaters, resembling boats as they maneuvered across the flooded runway. Water sprayed in their wake, and waves rippled through the deep water.
The disruption to airport operations persisted into Wednesday, with access roads rendered impassable due to flooding. Several airlines, including the flag carrier Emirates, reported flight delays. Meanwhile, budget airline Flydubai made the decision to cancel all flights until 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
Dubai International Airport also cautioned against unnecessary visits to the airport, urging people to refrain from coming unless absolutely essential. They emphasized that flights were still experiencing delays and diversions due to the displeasure of air passengers.
Meanwhile, it was reported that at least 19 individuals lost their lives in neighboring Oman due to the severe weather conditions, while at least one fatality was reported in the UAE when a man’s car was swept away by the floods.
Furthermore, in an unprecedented move, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Nayan directed authorities to promptly assess the state of infrastructure across the UAE and take measures to mitigate the damage, as reported by official media.
Additionally, the President issued instructions for affected families to be relocated to secure locations, according to a statement released by the WAM news agency.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler, shared on X about the ongoing efforts by teams comprising citizens and residents, emphasizing their continuous day-and-night endeavors. The city’s media office also released a video featuring officials in discussion groups overlaid with dramatic music, alongside scenes of water pumping activities in the background.
Has cloud seeding caused the rainfall?
The flooding prompted speculation regarding the role of cloud seeding, a technique involving flying small planes through clouds to disperse chemicals aimed at inducing rainfall. However, experts clarified that the storm systems responsible for the rain were predicted well in advance, and they asserted that cloud seeding alone would not have resulted in such widespread flooding.
The UAE, heavily dependent on energy-intensive desalination plants for water supply, employs cloud seeding as a measure to augment its diminishing and constrained groundwater resources.
Compassion amidst Adversity
As the public was reeling from severe weather, in an extraordinary demonstration of altruism and bravery, Deepak Mohan, a real estate agent based in Dubai, utilized his off-roading expertise to rescue stranded tourists and residents amidst the flooding.
Navigating his reliable 2000 model Landcruiser through waters ranging from knee to waist-deep, he safely transported numerous individuals to dry land. Among those rescued were a heavily pregnant nurse, a wheelchair-bound woman accompanied by her daughter, and a visiting Kazakh family, among others. Mohan’s acts of compassion have garnered widespread appreciation, with many expressing heartfelt gratitude for his selfless actions.
(Deepak with the rescued flood victims)
