storm
Emirates: Heaviest rain since 1949 – Dubai flooded
Vehicles stand abandoned in floodwaters on a main road in Dubai. photo
© Jon Gambrell/AP/dpa
As a result of extreme rain, there is flooding in the east of the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of Dubai are flooded. Several people were killed.
The heaviest rains in decades have occurred in the United Arab Emirates and parts of the metropolis Dubai heavily flooded. The Center for Meteorology said it was the heaviest rain in 75 years, with particularly heavy rainfall in the east, on the border with Oman. In the capital Abu Dhabi, schools, government institutions and companies were asked to learn and work from home as much as possible.
“We advise you not to come to the airport unless absolutely necessary,” Dubai Airport said in a statement. Flights are delayed or diverted. The operators spoke of a “significant disruption” and a “very challenging situation”. With 87 million passengers last year, it is one of the largest airports in the world. Check-in in Dubai has been suspended for all travelers on the state airline Emirates. Flooded runways can be seen in pictures.
Parts of Dubai are under water after heavy rainfall. Dozens of cars were trapped in the water on highways, as can be seen in videos on social networks. Traffic came to a standstill on one of the most important expressways that runs along the coast through the metropolis. According to a report in The National newspaper, some left their flooded cars and continued on foot. The Center for Meteorology called for people to avoid flooded areas.
In neighboring Oman, at least 18 people died after the heavy rains. In the Emirates, an elderly man reportedly died after his vehicle was swept away by water.
Last year the Emirates hosted the world climate conference COP28 in Dubai.