“UAE Hit by Historic Rainfall: Roads and Dubai Airport Submerged in Floodwaters”

Dubai, UAE – Unprecedented heavy thunderstorms struck the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, causing the country to experience its heaviest rainfall ever recorded within just a few hours. The deluge flooded portions of major highways and even Dubai’s international airport.

The state-run WAM news agency described the rainfall as “a historic weather event,” surpassing any previously documented records since data collection began in 1949. These storms arrived before the era of crude oil discovery in the region, during the time when the UAE was known as the Trucial States under British protection.

The downpour commenced late Monday, drenching Dubai’s sands and roadways with approximately 20 mm (0.79 inches) of rain, as per meteorological data from Dubai International Airport. The intensity of the storms peaked around 9 a.m. local time on Tuesday and persisted throughout the day, bringing more rain and hail to the inundated city.

By the end of Tuesday, Dubai experienced continuous rainfall over 24 hours, impacting the operations of its international airport, known as the world’s busiest hub for international travel and home to the long-haul carrier Emirates. The airport was compelled to halt arrivals on Tuesday night due to the flooded taxiways, with passengers encountering difficulty reaching terminals amidst the surrounding floodwater. Some individuals even resorted to seeking refuge in the Metro station and within the airport premises.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by the flooding, Dubai International Airport issued a statement on Wednesday morning, indicating limited transportation options and flight disruptions due to crew members’ inability to access the airfield. Recovery efforts were underway, with authorities appealing for patience and cooperation from travelers.

Emergency personnel and law enforcement navigated cautiously through the submerged streets of Dubai, while lightning illuminated the sky, occasionally striking the tip of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The city’s driverless Metro system experienced disruptions and flooded stations, while schools across the UAE closed ahead of the storm, and government employees resorted to remote work.

Tanker trucks were deployed to pump water from the streets and highways, as some homes experienced flooding, necessitating residents to bail out water. However, official reports regarding the extent of damage and injuries were not immediately available.

As the nation grappled with the aftermath of the storm, authorities announced school closures and continued remote work arrangements for Wednesday, as efforts to assess and mitigate the impact of the unprecedented rainfall continued.