Heavy thunderstorms hit the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, resulting in significant rainfall in the desert city-state of Dubai. The sudden downpour led to flooding on major highways and at Dubai International Airport. The city received over a year and a half's worth of rain in just a few hours, with more than 142 millimeters falling within 24 hours. This amount far exceeded the average annual rainfall of 94.7 millimeters at the airport.
The intense storms began late Monday and continued throughout Tuesday, causing chaos in the city. The airport had to halt arrivals as taxiways were submerged in water, making it difficult for aircraft to land. Passengers faced challenges reaching terminals due to flooded roads surrounding the airport.
Emergency personnel and police were deployed to assist in the flooded streets of Dubai, with lightning flashing across the sky. The city's driverless Metro system experienced disruptions, and some stations were flooded. Schools across the UAE closed in anticipation of the storm, and many government employees worked remotely.
In neighboring Oman, heavy flooding claimed the lives of at least 18 people, with others still missing. The sultanate faced tragic incidents, including the loss of 10 schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle. The country's National Committee for Emergency Management reported the devastating impact of the heavy rains.
Authorities in both the UAE and Oman took measures to address the aftermath of the storms, including pumping water from flooded areas and providing support to affected residents. The unusual amount of rainfall highlighted the challenges of managing such weather events in arid regions like the Arabian Peninsula.
As the affected regions continue to assess the damage and support those impacted by the storms, the focus remains on recovery and rebuilding in the wake of this natural disaster.
