Meteorological reports indicate that Dubai received about 20 millimeters of rain late Monday, with the storm intensifying on Tuesday morning. By the end of the day, the city had accumulated over 142 millimeters of rain, surpassing its average annual rainfall of 94.7 millimeters.
Inside the airport terminal, chaos ensued as overcrowding led to some people being turned away. Witnesses described scenes resembling those from apocalyptic tales, with flooded roads and even luxury cars seemingly floating through the streets.
The situation led to disruptions in the city’s Metro system, flooded stations, and the closure of schools across the UAE, with many opting for remote work. Authorities deployed tanker trucks to pump water from flooded areas, but residential neighborhoods were also affected, prompting residents to take emergency measures.
Despite the extensive disruptions, no overall assessment of damage or reports of injuries have been provided by UAE authorities. However, a tragic incident in Ras al-Khaimah resulted in the death of a 70-year-old man whose vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.
Neighboring Oman also experienced severe weather, with casualties reported, including schoolchildren and an adult swept away in a vehicle. Remote schooling and work were continued on Wednesday as the region prepared for further weather disturbances.
This unprecedented weather event underscores the challenges faced by regions unaccustomed to heavy rainfall, particularly in infrastructure readiness and emergency response.
