Dubai Recovers After Record Storm Brings Year’s Worth of Rain in a Day
Dubai, known for its luxurious lifestyle and modern infrastructure, was brought to a standstill earlier this week as a record storm hit the city, depositing a year’s worth of rainfall in just one day. The unexpected deluge left roads waterlogged, homes flooded, and residents stranded in traffic jams and offices. The situation was so severe that even Dubai International Airport, a major travel hub, struggled to clear a backlog of flights.
The unprecedented rains, the heaviest experienced by the UAE in the 75 years that records have been kept, caused significant damage across the country. Many residents reported leaks in their homes, while videos circulating on social media showed malls overflowing with water pouring from roofs. The scenes were reminiscent of a disaster movie, with some vehicles, including buses, almost entirely submerged in water on Dubai’s streets.
The aftermath of the storm saw long queues at petrol stations and disrupted traffic flow throughout the city. Highways were reduced to single lanes, and major roads connecting Dubai with Abu Dhabi were closed in one direction. Residents described the situation as chaotic and surreal, with some comparing it to an alien invasion.
Despite the challenges faced by the city, efforts were underway to restore normalcy. Dubai Airport Chief Operating Officer Majed Al Joker assured the public that the airport would gradually resume operations, aiming to reach full capacity within 24 hours. However, the airport’s struggles were not limited to flight diversions and cancellations; getting food to stranded passengers proved to be a logistical challenge due to flooded roads and overcrowding.
As Dubai worked towards recovery, questions arose about the role of cloud seeding in causing the heavy rains. Cloud seeding, a process frequently conducted in the UAE to increase rainfall, came under scrutiny following the storm. However, a government agency overseeing cloud seeding denied conducting any operations before the record-breaking rainfall.
In response to the crisis, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan ordered authorities to assess the damage and provide support to affected families. Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al-Maktoum emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors in times of natural disasters. He directed government officials to prepare comprehensive plans to respond to unexpected weather conditions like those experienced during the recent storm.
Despite the challenges posed by the record storm, Dubai’s resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity were evident. Delivery services slowly resumed operations, offering a glimmer of hope to residents accustomed to ordering everything with a click of a mouse. As the city cleared its waterlogged roads and dried out flooded homes, the spirit of unity and determination shone through in Dubai’s efforts to recover from the unprecedented natural disaster.