Dubai Airport in Disarray as UAE and Oman Grapple with Fatal Storms
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) — Heavy rain has battered Gulf states, causing flash floods that have disrupted daily life and led to chaos at Dubai International Airport, the world’s second-busiest airport. Here’s what we know so far:
The Deluge in Dubai
- Dubai Airport Chaos: On Tuesday, Dubai’s major international airport faced “very challenging conditions” as heavy rains inundated the runways. Scores of incoming flights diverted, and passengers advised not to turn up due to the waterlogged runways. Videos on social media showed aircraft plowing through several inches of water, covering the airport’s apron and taxiways.
- Fatalities: A man lost his life when his car was caught in flash floods in the UAE. In Oman, rescuers found a girl’s body in Saham, raising the death toll to 19 since Sunday. Ten schoolchildren tragically lost their lives when floodwater swamped their bus in the al-Mudhaibi area of Sharqiya province.
- Unprecedented Rainfall: Oman experienced an extraordinary deluge, with some areas receiving more than double the average annual rainfall in just one day. Two northern regions of Oman received 180mm (7 inches) of rain since Sunday, while eight other areas saw over 120mm of rainfall. Precipitation is scarce in Oman, making this event highly unusual.
- UAE’s Record Rainfall: The United Arab Emirates, Oman’s northern neighbor, witnessed its largest rainfall event in 75 years. Khatm al-Shakla, in the emirate of al-Ain, received a staggering 254.8mm (9.7 inches) of rain in less than 24 hours. For context, the UAE averages between 140-200mm of rainfall per year, while Dubai typically receives only 97mm annually. April usually sees around 8mm of rain.
Impact and Precautions
- Evacuations and Closures: More than 1,400 people have been evacuated to shelters, and schools and government offices remain closed as a precaution. Authorities warn that additional thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds are forecasted, with many low-lying areas still submerged.
- Grief and Condolences: Oman’s council of ministers expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the victims’ families.
As the Gulf region grapples with this unprecedented weather event, emergency responders and communities are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact. The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor developments closely.
