The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is grappling with the aftermath of a historic deluge that wreaked havoc across the nation, leaving at least one person dead and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and communities. Authorities and local residents are mobilising efforts to clear debris and restore normalcy after torrential rains battered the region.
On Tuesday, Al Ain witnessed a record-breaking rainfall, with 254mm recorded within a span of 24 hours, marking the highest precipitation since records began in 1949. While the heavy downpour subsided by late Tuesday, its impact continues to ripple through the UAE, disrupting air travel and daily life.
Dubai International Airport, a global aviation hub, is experiencing significant disruptions, prompting Emirates airline to suspend check-in services for departing passengers until midnight. Flight operations have been severely affected, with delays and diversions impacting both departures and arrivals.
Passengers are advised to refrain from heading to the airport and to stay updated on their flight status through their respective airlines. Emirates has assured passengers in transit that processing will continue, albeit with expected delays.
In neighbouring Oman, the situation is even more dire, with 19 reported deaths, including school children, following three consecutive days of heavy rainfall. Flooded communities and widespread damage paint a grim picture of the aftermath.
Amidst the chaos, speculation regarding the UAE’s cloud seeding programme has surfaced, with social media abuzz with theories linking the deluge to the country’s weather modification efforts. However, the National Centre of Meteorology has confirmed that no cloud-seeding missions were conducted during Tuesday’s rainfall.
Furthermore, the impact of the downpour extends beyond air travel, as roads remain inundated and communities grapple with flooded homes and collapsed infrastructure. Images circulating on social media depict submerged vehicles and flooded thoroughfares.