Heavy rainfall in Dubai has caused chaos in the city-state, with more than 120mm (4.7 inches) of rain soaking the desert nation on Tuesday – a typical yearly average. Flights arriving at Dubai airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, have been temporarily diverted to other locations due to major flooding.
Homes and roads were flooded, and partially submerged cars were left abandoned as the city-state grappled with the aftermath of the heavy rainfall. The tarmac at Dubai airport resembled a lake, causing disruptions to airport operations. Despite the challenges, departures are continuing to operate.
According to Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson, intense showers and thunderstorms have been affecting eastern parts of the Arabian Peninsula and southern Iran, with further flooding rains expected on Wednesday. The risk of flash flooding events in the United Arab Emirates is not uncommon, but usually occurs between December and March.
The unusual rainfall in Dubai also affected neighboring countries like Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In Oman, at least 18 people lost their lives due to heavy rain, including 10 schoolchildren and an adult who were swept away in a vehicle.
As police and emergency personnel navigate the flooded streets and tanker trucks work to pump away the water, the city-state is bracing for more rainfall in the coming hours. The unexpected weather phenomenon serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of climate patterns in the region.