DUBAI: A warning has been issued to travelers advising them against heading to Dubai International Airport due to the heaviest rainfall recorded in 75 years, reporter Emirates News Agency. Flights experienced delays and diversions as a result, with Dubai Airports urging passengers to check with airlines for the latest updates.
Despite efforts to recover operations amidst challenging conditions, Emirates Airlines suspended departure procedures on Wednesday while maintaining services for arrivals and transit passengers until midnight. The airport website displayed significant delays for several flights.
The UAE faced record rainfall, with Al-Ain receiving 254 mm within 24 hours, the highest level since records began in 1949. Cleanup efforts were underway on Wednesday morning after the downpour caused widespread chaos.
In Ras al-Khaimah, a person lost his life when their vehicle was swept away by floodwater. Meanwhile, neighboring Oman reported 19 casualties, including children, following three consecutive days of heavy rain.
Local media depicted flooded communities, with further rainfall anticipated. In Dubai, while skies cleared, the aftermath of the storm resulted in subdued road activity as government employees and schools shifted to remote operations for a second day.
Images circulated on UAE media and social platforms showed extensive damage, including collapsed roads and flooded homes. Sheikh Zayed Road, a major Dubai thoroughfare, experienced partial flooding, contributing to prolonged traffic congestion.
