Parts of the Middle East were hit by heavy rains on Tuesday, leading to school closures in the United Arab Emirates and flooding at Dubai International Airport. Oman has reported at least 18 deaths in recent days due to the inclement weather.
The storm caused flooding on roads and dangerous conditions throughout the region. This area is typically dry and not used to heavy rainfall or flash floods.
Airport officials confirmed that flights to Dubai Airport had to be diverted temporarily due to the unusual weather events in the UAE. Statement
Abdel Hadi Ramahi/Reuters
Video footage showed Dubai’s tarmac flooded, with planes navigating through floodwaters and support vehicles almost submerged, according to reports from Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya news agency.
Over 4.7 inches of rain fell in a day in the UAE, causing road and property flooding in Dubai. Associated Press reported.
The UAE’s National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority advised people to stay home. Commenting on X’s post, they suggested parking vehicles in safe, elevated areas away from flood-prone zones.
Anadolu (via Getty Images)
Private schools in the UAE were closed before the storm and government employees were advised to work remotely.
While the UAE is known for its dry climate, rain does occur occasionally during the winter.
In neighboring Oman, recent storms and heavy rain have led to the deaths of 10 school children and an adult driver in a flooded car, as reported by the Associated Press.
Other parts of the Middle East, such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, also experienced unusually wet weather this week.
It’s unclear if recent storms have been influenced by global warming, but the warming atmosphere from climate change can hold more moisture, leading to stronger storms and heavier rainfall. Studies have suggested this possibility.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
