Dubai Grapples with Record-Breaking Rainfall: Here are the Latest Updates on the Situation in the City

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Dubai finds itself in the throes of an unprecedented weather crisis as the aftermath of heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc across the city for the past two days. The state-run WAM news agency has labeled Tuesday’s rain as “a historic weather event,” surpassing any recorded precipitation since data collection began in 1949.

According to meteorological data gathered at Dubai International Airport, the city experienced an extraordinary deluge, receiving a staggering year and a half’s worth of rain between Monday and Tuesday alone.

The downpour commenced late Monday, saturating the desert landscape and urban thoroughfares with approximately 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rain. By Tuesday’s end, the intensity had escalated, with over 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall inundating Dubai. To put this into perspective, the average annual rainfall at Dubai International Airport stands at 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches).

Here are the latest updates on the situation in Dubai:

1. Airport Disruptions: Operations at Dubai Airport, a vital travel hub, remain severely affected following Tuesday’s storm, which flooded the runway, disrupting flights. While inbound flights at Terminal 1 have resumed, numerous other flights continue to face delays and cancellations.
2. City Inundation: Reports from Khaleej Times highlight how rising water levels prompted several individuals to abandon their vehicles in flooded areas. Witnesses recount scenes of vehicles submerged as the deluge overwhelmed roads.
3. Government Response: UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to citizens’ safety and security. He directed authorities to provide necessary support to affected families, facilitating their transfer to safe locations.
4. Infrastructure Review: In response to the crisis, the UAE president ordered a comprehensive study of the country’s infrastructure to assess its resilience to extreme weather events and ensure adequate preparedness for the future.
5. Remote Work Extension: The government has extended remote work arrangements for government employees nationwide until Friday to mitigate disruptions caused by the inclement weather.
6. Cloud Seeding Clarification: The National Center of Meteorology refuted claims suggesting that cloud seeding contributed to the heavy rainfall. Dr. Habib Ahmed, a senior meteorologist, emphasized that no cloud seeding operations were conducted and urged the public to disregard misinformation.
7. Weather Outlook: Weather experts anticipate a stabilization of the situation over the coming days, albeit with continued cloud cover. Gulf News reports suggest that the city may experience cloudy conditions in the immediate future.

As Dubai grapples with the aftermath of this extraordinary weather event, efforts are underway to restore normalcy and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. The resilience and preparedness of the city will be tested as it navigates through this challenging period.

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