Unprecedented rains lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, unleashing more than a year and a half’s worth of rain on Dubai within hours, which caused widespread flooding, major highways getting inundated, and disrupting air travel.
People on social media sites circulated videos that showed cars being swept off roads and the collapse of a shop’s ceiling in one of Dubai’s popular malls due to inundation. The city’s metro system also faced disruptions.
The rainfall began late on Monday (April 15) with approximately 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rain, according to meteorological data from Dubai International Airport.
Further, the intensity of the storms escalated around 9 a.m. local time on Tuesday, persisting throughout the day and adding more rain and hail to the overwhelmed city.
In neighboring Oman, heavy flooding claimed the lives of 18 people, with others still missing as the country braced for the storm’s impact.
Record rainfall in Dubai
By the end of Tuesday, Dubai received over 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall in just 24 hours, significantly surpassing the average annual rainfall of 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) at the world’s busiest airport for international travel, Dubai International Airport.
At Dubai Airport, water accumulated on taxiways, leading to the suspension of arrivals Tuesday night, while passengers encountered difficulties reaching terminals due to flooded surrounding roads.
Meanwhile, emergency personnel navigated the flooded streets of Dubai cautiously, with their emergency lights illuminating the darkened roads.