On the night of April 16 in the UAE, heavy rains began, which caused local floods and led to disruptions in the world's busiest airport for international flights in Dubai. This was reported by Associated Press, UNN.
Details
According to initial estimates, more than 30 millimeters of rain fell in Dubai in the morning, and up to 128 mm of precipitation is expected during the day.
Also, during the night storm, several lightning bolts hit the spire of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa Tower. It is not yet known whether the building suffered any damage as a result of the storm.
Schools in the UAE were closed before the storm, and workers and civil servants were sent to work remotely. Despite this, many cars were unable to leave the highways during the day due to high water levels.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of drainage facilities. The emirates are located in an arid region where rainfall is very rare and mostly in the winter months. The authorities have sent special equipment to the streets to pump out the water.
Eyewitnesses are actively posting footage of the bad weather in the UAE on social media. Many videos show water standing in the streets, sometimes flooding even the first floors of buildings.
There is also damage to buildings due to the strong winds that are raging in the city. According to media reports, Dubai has also experienced problems with electricity and water supply.
The authorities have introduced an orange alert level in the country, which will last at least until the evening of April 17. The city has organized alternative bus routes to bypass the flooded areas.
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Rains were also reported in the Emirates' neighboring countries, including Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In Oman, at least 18 people, including about ten children, were killed by the rains.
Recall
Last month, the UAE also experienced heavy rains. Then the streets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other cities were flooded as a result of bad weather. Intercity bus service between Dubai and Sharjah was also suspended. An orange alert was declared throughout the UAE.