Heavy thunderstorms have lashed the United Arab Emirates, dumping the heaviest rain ever recorded in the country in the span of hours as it flooded out portions of major highways and Dubai’s international airport.
Vehicles sit abandoned in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Heavy thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, dumping over a year and a half's worth of rain on the desert city-state of Dubai in the span of hours as it flooded out portions of major highways and its international airport.
The UAE, which heavily relies on energy-hungry desalination plants to provide water, conducts cloud seeding in part to increase itsThe rains began late Monday, soaking the sands and roadways of Dubai with some 20 millimeters of rain, according to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport. The storms intensified around 9 a.m. local Tuesday and continued throughout the day, dumping more rain and hail onto the overwhelmed city.
One couple, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to speak freely in a country with strict laws that criminalize critical speech, called the situation at the airport “absolute carnage.” Dubai International Airport acknowledged Wednesday morning that the flooding had left “limited transportation options” and affected flights as aircraft crews couldn't reach the airfield.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused,” the airline said on X. “Emirates is working hard to restore our scheduled operations.”Paul Griffiths, the airport's CEO, acknowledged continued issues with flooding Wednesday morning, saying every place an aircraft could be safely parked was taken. Some aircraft had been diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, the city-state's second airfield.
Authorities sent tanker trucks out into the streets and highways to pump away the water. Water poured into some homes, forcing people to bail out their houses.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dubai flooding amid atypical heavy rains snarls traffic on UAE roads and airport runwaysNormally parched roads and airport runways in the desert city-state of Dubai were left underwater by an incredibly rare rainstorm.
Read more »
Dubai's Parkin surges 30% on trading debut in UAE's first IPO of the yearParkin is the largest provider of paid parking in Dubai, and is set to see further demand as the city's population grows.
Read more »
Dubai airport diverts flights amid widespread flooding in UAE, OmanBoth Oman and the UAE, which hosted last year's COP28 UN climate talks, have previously warned that global warming is likely to lead to more flooding.
Read more »
Dubai flooded by extreme rain as deadly storms sweep through UAE, OmanIntense rain in the Middle East Sunday and Monday caused extensive flooding in the United Arab Emirates and Oman, where at least 18 people have been killed. The death toll includes 10 schoolchildren who were washed away while in a vehicle in Samad A&8217;Shan, Oman. On Tuesday, Dubai International Airport, the second-busiest airport in the...
Read more »
UAE hit with severe flooding as record rainfall disrupts Dubai flightsThe downpour prompted flight cancellations and delays at Dubai’s airport, with travelers stranded for hours in both the terminal and on the tarmac.
Read more »
Heavy Rain Causes Flooding and Disruption in Dubai and OmanHeavy rains in Dubai and Oman lead to flooding, school closures, and airport disruptions. The region, known for its arid climate, is unaccustomed to intense rainfall and flash flooding.
Read more »