Inside the ‘Historic Weather Event’ in Dubai: The Flood after the Thunderstorm
What just happened in Dubai could have been straight out of a disaster movie plot. The desert nation, United Arab Emirates (UAE), typically as parched as it gets, witnessed a record amount of rainfall after a thunderstorm. This downpour brought about significant flooding, causing chaos on the highways, and even shut down Dubai Airport.
When it Rains, it Pours…Literally!
In just a single day, the country registered a whopping 142 millimeters of rain, nearly 50% more than what it usually receives in a year (average annual rainfall is 94.7 millimeters). As one might imagine, this sudden deluge created quite a stir.
“This event has surpassed anything ever recorded since the UAE began measurements in 1949,” the state news agency, Wam, referred to the incident as a “historic weather event.”
A Reality Check: The Human Impact
But it’s not just about the statistics. There’s a human story here too. A man in his 70s tragically lost his life when his car was swept away in a flash flood. More than just statistics, this event reminds us of how disruptive extreme weather can be.
Across the border, heavy rains in neighboring Oman have resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people in recent days, including ten school children and an adult, who were onboard a school bus overtaken by the floodwaters.
How a Desert Land Responds to Floods
You might be wondering – how does a desert nation respond to such unprecedented flooding? Authorities have had to close schools and encouraged government employees to work remotely while they grapple with the logistics of a large-scale clean-up operation.
In true Dubai fashion, a fleet of tanker trucks has been dispatched across streets and roads, pumping out the water as quickly as they can. A challenging task, no doubt, given that many parts of the country lack sewer drainage due to the typically irregular rainfall.
Wrapping it Up: Navigating Unprecedented Challenges
In conclusion, the recent deluge in Dubai has been an unprecedented situation. The event stands as a potent symbol of the effects of extreme weather, reminding us of our vulnerability.
While the city works to bounce back from this ‘historic weather event,’ it also provides a moment of reflection for everyone, from ordinary civilians to policymakers, on the necessity of preparedness and adaptation to unwieldy climate changes.
So there you have it. The flood crisis in Dubai wasn’t just a ‘rare weather event.’ It was a wake-up call for all of us. Let’s hope it prompts more action on climate resilience worldwide.
