At least one dead after heavy rains set off flash floods in UAE
Authorities and communities across the United Arab Emirates were clearing debris yesterday after a torrential downpour killed at least one person and caused damage to homes and businesses.
The UAE witnessed a record rainfall with 254mm falling in Al Ain on Tuesday in less than 24 hours, according to the national meteorology centre. That was the most since records began in 1949, before the country was established in 1971.
Although heavy rains had eased late yesterday, disruptions continued, with Emirates airline suspending check-in for passengers departing Dubai airport until midnight.
Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, said it was facing significant disruptions after the heavy rains delayed or diverted flights and had impacted flight crews.
Passengers departing Dubai were advised against heading to the airport and to check their flight status with their airline.
“We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions,” the airport wrote on X.
Emirates said passengers who
were already in transit would continue to be processed, but warned that delays to departures and arrivals should be expected.
The Dubai airport website showed hours-long delays for some arrival and departure flights.
Local media reported that an elderly Emirati man, in his 70s, died yesterday morning when his vehicle was caught in flash floods in the Ras Al Khaimah emirate, in the
country’s north.
In neighbouring Oman, 19 people died, including schoolchildren, after three consecutive days of heavy rain, according to Omani media.
UAE media and social media posts showed significant damage from the torrential downpour in some parts of the country, including collapsed roads and homes inundated by water.