1. Dubai faced an unprecedented deluge, receiving a year’s worth of rain in just 24 hours.
2. Severe flash flooding hit the city, with the Dubai International Airport’s runway submerged.
3. The flooded runway gave the airport the appearance of an ocean rather than an airfield.
Dubai, April 17: Dubai experienced an unprecedented deluge, receiving a year’s worth of rain in just 24 hours, leading to severe flash flooding across the city.
The Dubai International Airport was not spared, as the runway was completely submerged, resembling an ocean rather than an airfield. Flight operations were halted for nearly half an hour due to the intense flooding.
In 12 hours, the airport recorded nearly 100 mm of rainfall, accumulating to a total of 160 mm within the day. This amount far surpasses the city’s average annual rainfall of about 88.9 mm.
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Travellers were urged to check their flight status and allow extra travel time to reach the airport, as the adverse weather conditions caused numerous flight delays and cancellations.
Videos circulating on social media depicted the flooded runway, with large passenger jets navigating through the waterlogged tarmac.
Emirates airline confirmed multiple flight delays and cancellations due to the inclement weather, while low-cost carrier flydubai temporarily suspended all flights departing from Dubai until 10 am local time on Wednesday.
The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology issued a weather warning for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, advising residents to exercise caution. Dubai Police also issued advisories to avoid certain roads in the city due to flash flooding.
Neighbouring countries in the region also faced heavy rainfall and flooding.
In Oman, at least 18 people lost their lives in flash floods triggered by the torrential downpour.
Among the victims were 10 students who perished when their vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded area.
In Bahrain, videos shared on social media depicted vehicles stranded on waterlogged roads, highlighting the widespread impact of the heavy rainfall in the region.
