Heavy rains wreaked havoc in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, causing major highways to flood and leaving vehicles stranded in Dubai. The neighboring sultanate of Oman also faced heavy flooding, with the death toll rising to 18 and several others still missing.
The downpour began overnight, creating massive ponds on streets and disrupting flights at Dubai International Airport. Emergency personnel navigated through flooded streets with flashing lights as lightning illuminated the sky, occasionally striking the tip of the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Schools in the UAE closed in anticipation of the storm, and government employees worked remotely. Tanker trucks were deployed to pump away the excess water on roads and highways as authorities scrambled to manage the situation.
While rain is rare in the arid UAE, the region experiences periodic showers during the cooler winter months. The lack of proper drainage infrastructure exacerbated the flooding, with initial estimates suggesting over 30 millimeters of rain fell in Dubai alone.
The impact of the heavy rains extended to Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, where precipitation was also reported. In Oman, the tragic loss of life included 10 schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle, prompting condolences from leaders across the region.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the storms, the focus remains on recovery efforts and ensuring the safety of residents in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.