A fierce storm unleashed heavy rain across the United Arab Emirates, causing flash floods and diverting flights from Dubai Airport, the world’s busiest international airport. Amid concerns of climate change, the Gulf region grapples with the aftermath of the deluge, highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
A fierce storm has swept across the United Arab Emirates, unleashing heavy rain and triggering flash floods in several Gulf states. The tumultuous weather disrupted operations at Dubai Airport, forcing the diversion of flights from the bustling international hub. Despite the challenges, airport authorities have since resumed operations.
In neighboring Oman, the devastation wrought by the floods has been severe, with authorities confirming at least 18 fatalities. Among the casualties are 10 students tragically swept away in a vehicle attempting to navigate a flooded area. The dire situation underscores the urgent need for preparedness and mitigation strategies in the face of such natural disasters.
Amid the chaos, unverified footage from Dubai International Airport depicts the surreal sight of jets navigating flooded runways, leaving waves in their wake. The airport issued a statement attributing the flight diversions to the “exceptional weather event” gripping the UAE.
The unprecedented weather event prompted the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology to issue a warning for several regions, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. This stark departure from the region’s typically hot and arid climate serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of climate patterns.
As the Gulf region contends with the aftermath of the storm, Bahrain grapples with flooded roads and stranded vehicles. The scenes of disruption underscore the far-reaching impacts of extreme weather events on infrastructure and livelihoods.
Climate experts warn that such events may become increasingly common as the planet warms, attributing the phenomenon to climate change. The UAE, a major player in the oil industry, recently hosted the COP28 climate change conference, signaling a growing recognition of the need for collective action to address the escalating climate crisis.
