More than a Year and a Half's Worth of Rain Dumps on Dubai
Heavy Thunderstorms Cause Flash Flooding in UAE City-State
April 16, 2024 | 2:44 PM PDT
Heavy thunderstorms have lashed the United Arab Emirates (UAE), dumping more than a year and a half's worth of rain on the desert city-state of Dubai. The rainfall, which began on Tuesday, has caused flash flooding in many parts of the city, including the upscale Jumeirah district. Footage shared on social media showed the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa, shrouded in thick clouds and heavy rain.
The flooding has disrupted daily life in Dubai, causing road closures and traffic delays. The Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates, two of the city's flagship shopping centers, have both suffered flooding, with ankle-deep water reported in at least one Dubai Metro station. Dubai's major international airport, Dubai International Airport (DXB), has diverted dozens of incoming flights due to the heavy rain and flooding.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a red alert for heavy rain and flooding in Dubai and surrounding areas. Schools in the UAE have been closed for the day, and residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The NCM has warned that the heavy rainfall is expected to continue for the next several hours.
The heavy rains are a rare occurrence in Dubai, which typically receives only a few inches of rain per year. The last time Dubai experienced a similar amount of rainfall was in 2008. The current rainfall is expected to have a significant impact on the city's infrastructure and economy.
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