17-4-2024 (DUBAI) In a scene almost unimaginable in this desert metropolis, the city of Dubai has found itself engulfed in chaos and disruption following record-breaking rainfall that has caused unprecedented flooding across the emirate. The intense downpour, the heaviest witnessed in the United Arab Emirates in over seven decades, has overwhelmed drainage systems, submerged vehicles, and severely damaged infrastructure, leading to the temporary closure of Dubai International Airport and stranding thousands of travelers.
On Tuesday, the emirate recorded a staggering 120 millimetres of rainfall in just a few hours, an amount typically expected over the course of an entire year in this arid region. The deluge exceeded the capacity of the city’s drainage systems, resulting in scenes reminiscent of a coastal city rather than a desert oasis. Visuals from the scene showed cars almost completely submerged, and significant water ingress in underground metro stations and shopping malls, leaving residents and visitors alike in a state of disbelief.
Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest hubs globally, was particularly hard hit by the severe weather conditions. Runways were swamped, forcing a temporary halt to operations and affecting scores of flights, exacerbating the logistical nightmare. In response, Emirates airline, the largest carrier based in Dubai, suspended check-in services for flights departing from the airport, citing operational challenges posed by the severe weather conditions. This suspension, which took effect from early Wednesday morning until midnight, left many passengers in limbo, stranded and uncertain about their travel plans.
Visuals from Dubai International Airport (DXB) : Dozens of inbound and outbound flights have been cancelled.#airport #rain pic.twitter.com/zq2ylAu8Sn
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) April 16, 2024
The National Centre of Meteorology issued a red alert and called for extreme caution, predicting that the harsh weather conditions would persist into Wednesday. The government urged residents to stay indoors and avoid flood-prone areas, while emergency services worked tirelessly to manage the fallout from the storm.
Dubai Airport right now
Dubai is underwater and is on
The biggest flood since 1999
Reason? pic.twitter.com/dKtUro0d1M
— Mr. Haque (@MrHaque_) April 17, 2024
Adjacent regions in the Middle East, including Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, also experienced similar extreme weather conditions, affecting daily life and resulting in at least 18 reported fatalities in Oman due to related incidents.
Authorities in Dubai have activated emergency response protocols, deploying rescue teams to the hardest-hit areas and setting up temporary shelters for those displaced by the floods. Social media platforms were inundated with images and videos from citizens and influencers alike, documenting the surreal scenes of luxury vehicles and everyday sedans alike trapped in the rising waters.
