Record rains have wreaked havoc in the United Arab Emirates and surrounding countries, with at least 18 people reported dead in Oman and air travel coming to a standstill in Dubai. The deluge, which began overnight and continued into Tuesday evening, has been described as the largest rainfall event in 75 years for the U.A.E.
Dubai, known for its arid desert climate, typically receives around five inches of rain in a year. However, the amount of rain that fell in just one day equaled that annual average. Flights heading to Dubai International Airport were diverted and operations were suspended for a period of time due to the intense storm, causing major flooding on roads leading to the airport.
Videos circulating on social media showed planes taxiing through deep water at the airport, which is a major hub for international travel. The airport, which saw over 80 million visitors in 2023, is crucial for the operations of the airline Emirates and serves as a gateway to 262 destinations across 104 countries.
In Oman, a separate rain event claimed the lives of at least 18 people, including schoolchildren who were swept away in a vehicle. Officials in Oman warned of more heavy thunderstorms with strong winds and hail expected overnight into Wednesday.
The unexpected and unprecedented rainfall has caused chaos on the roads in Dubai, with major highways flooded and drivers abandoning their vehicles. The situation is expected to worsen as more rain is forecasted overnight, spreading from west to east across the U.A.E.
Despite the rarity of rain in the region, periodic downpours do occur, especially during the winter months. The authorities are urging residents to stay safe, check their flight statuses, and allow extra travel time due to the ongoing weather conditions.
