Scientists suggest that the recent deluge in Oman and UAE is highly likely to be connected to climate change, according to Climate Crisis News.

A new study conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) has found that climate change caused by fossil fuel emissions is the likely reason for the extreme weather events that recently hit the UAE and Oman. The study, compiled by 21 international researchers, revealed that extreme rainfall in El Nino years has become 10-40 percent heavier in the affected region.

The intense rains that lashed the UAE and Oman last week resulted in the tragic deaths of 21 people in Oman and four in the United Arab Emirates. The floods were the heaviest on record for the UAE in the past 75 years, highlighting the devastating impact of climate change on the region.

According to the WWA study, the warming caused by burning fossil fuels is the most likely explanation for the increasing rainfall in the area. The researchers emphasized that there are no other known explanations for the sharp rise in precipitation observed in recent years.

Sonia Seneviratne, a WWA member and professor at Zurich’s ETH university, noted that the floods in the UAE and Oman demonstrate that even dry regions can be severely affected by extreme precipitation events. She highlighted that this threat is only expected to increase as global warming intensifies due to continued fossil fuel burning.

The study analyzed historic weather data and climate models to determine changes in rainfall patterns in the region, particularly in years affected by El Nino. The researchers found that extreme rainfall events have become at least 10 percent heavier in the UAE and Oman, a trend that aligns with the basic physics of a warmer atmosphere being able to hold more moisture.

The devastating impact of the recent storms was felt across the UAE, with Dubai facing severe disruption for days. Major roads were blocked by floods, power outages occurred, and some residents were trapped in their homes. Dubai Airport, one of the world’s busiest, experienced significant disruptions, with thousands of flights cancelled or diverted.

In response to the crisis, Dubai ruler and UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced a $544 million package to repair homes damaged by the floods. The unprecedented severity of the situation has underscored the urgent need for action to address climate change and transition away from fossil fuels.

Friederike Otto, a climatologist and WWA member, emphasized the importance of moving away from fossil fuels to prevent further intensification of extreme weather events. She warned that if the world continues to burn fossil fuels, rainfall in many regions will become heavier and more destructive, leading to deadlier floods.

The findings of the study serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its devastating consequences. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources becomes increasingly clear.