The United Arab Emirates experienced the heaviest rainfall ever recorded, causing flooding to affect Dubai International Airport and disrupt flights. Rain also fell in neighboring countries, but the UAE was hit the hardest. Speculation arose that cloud seeding may have caused the deluge, but experts stated that the storm systems were forecasted ahead of time and cloud seeding wouldn’t have caused such extensive flooding. Climate change was also cited as a contributing factor to the intense storms experienced in the region.
The UAE relies on cloud seeding to address its water scarcity issues, and experts confirmed that the heavy rainfall in Dubai was due to an unusually strong low-pressure system. Scientists attribute the increase in extreme weather events to climate change, which poses a threat to life in the already arid region. Dubai’s hosting of the COP28 climate talks in recent years highlighted the urgency of addressing global warming’s effects on the environment and human communities.
The heavy rainfall in Dubai began on Monday and lasted throughout Tuesday, resulting in over 142 millimeters of rain in a 24-hour period. This exceeded the average annual rainfall for the region. The airport experienced difficulties with standing water on taxiways, leading to the suspension of flights temporarily. Passengers faced disruptions with check-ins and delayed departures from Dubai due to the flooding. Schools across the UAE shut down, and government employees worked remotely.
Despite efforts to mitigate the flooding, many roads were submerged in water, causing difficulties for commuters. Tanker trucks were deployed to pump away the excess water, and some homes experienced flooding. The UAE’s hereditary rulers did not provide details about the overall damage, but reports emerged of individuals trapped in flooded cars and one fatality due to floodwater. Some areas in the country experienced extreme rainfall, leading to cancellations of schools and implementation of remote work policies.
In neighboring Oman, heavy rains caused at least 19 fatalities, including schoolchildren who were swept away in a vehicle. The sultanate faced condolences from leaders in the region due to the tragic losses. The flooding in Oman and the UAE highlighted the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and the need for climate adaptation strategies. The unusual weather patterns underscored the importance of preparing for more frequent and intense storms as a result of climate change.
