Last Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced its heaviest rainfall in recorded history, with more than an average year’s worth of rain falling in just 24 hours. The extreme weather also brought strong winds of up to 70mph, causing widespread disruption and damage across the country.
The heavy rainfall led to critical infrastructure, including roads and runways, being submerged underwater, creating chaos for residents and travelers alike. Dubai International Airport, the second busiest airport in the world, was severely impacted, with over 1000 flights canceled between Tuesday and Thursday. The airport operations slowly resumed towards the end of the week, but the aftermath of the flooding continued to cause transportation disruptions.
The National Center of Meteorology issued a red weather alert, prompting government employees to work from home and some schools to close during the flooding. Emergency response teams, including civil defense, ambulances, and police, worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and recovery of those affected by the storms.
In the aftermath of the floods, the UAE government, along with private organizations, launched extensive clean-up and recovery operations. Property developers in Dubai offered free maintenance for damaged properties, while a leading electronics organization provided free repairs for damaged electronic goods. The Crown Prince of Dubai also established a committee to review requests from citizens for assistance.
Experts attribute the extreme weather to the ongoing impacts of climate change, emphasizing the need for improved preparedness for future extreme weather events. The UAE government has already begun assessing the damage to infrastructure and implementing measures to enhance resilience, such as expanding dams and waterways to withstand future storms.
The recent flooding serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering a culture of resilience within organizations and communities. Leaders are urged to invest in readiness and crisis preparedness to mitigate the impacts of future extreme weather events.