Recently, the United Arab Emirates experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years, leading to widespread chaos and disruption. Some areas received over 250 mm of precipitation in less than 24 hours, a phenomenon never seen before in the country since records began in 1949.
The heavy rainfall flooded streets, uprooted palm trees, and damaged buildings in various parts of the country. In Dubai, a popular tourist destination, the situation was particularly severe, with canceled flights, halted traffic, and closed schools.
Weather observations at the airport revealed that 100 mm of rain fell in just 12 hours, an amount that typically represents a year's worth of rainfall for Dubai. This extreme weather event is attributed to the warming atmosphere caused by human-driven climate change, which can hold more moisture and result in intense rainfall.
The storm system responsible for the heavy rainfall also affected neighboring countries like Oman and Iran, where flash floods claimed lives and caused significant damage. In the UAE, a 70-year-old man lost his life due to flooding in Ras Al-Khaimah.
The impact of the rainfall extended to transportation and infrastructure, with Dubai International Airport experiencing significant disruptions. The airport's operations were hampered by flooded runways, leading to flight delays and cancellations by major airlines.
Images and videos shared on social media depicted the extent of the chaos, including flooded roads, submerged luxury cars, and waterlogged buildings. Residents were seen resorting to unconventional methods of transportation, such as rowing canoes on flooded streets.
Despite rumors, officials clarified that the rainfall was not a result of cloud seeding, a practice employed in the region to induce rain in arid climates. Dubai's infrastructure, designed for a hot and dry climate, struggled to cope with the unprecedented weather event.
The aftermath of the rainfall left residents and tourists stranded, facing challenges like disrupted utilities and limited access to essential services. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of arid regions to extreme weather events in the context of climate change.
