UAE Braces for Heavy Rains as Authorities Take Precautions

The United Arab Emirates is preparing for another round of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, just two weeks after exceptional storms caused widespread flooding and damage. Authorities have issued warnings and taken proactive measures to minimize disruptions and ensure public safety ahead of the anticipated weather event on May 2, 2024.

On April 16, heavy thunderstorms dumped the heaviest rains ever recorded in the UAE, flooding major highways, neighborhoods, and even Dubai International Airport, which required 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to remove water from its grounds. The flooding quickly overwhelmed drainage systems, inundating homes and businesses and destroying many cars. Tragically, the storms killed at least four people in the UAE and 19 others in neighboring Oman.

Why this matters: The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the UAE and Oman have significant implications for the region's infrastructure, economy, and human life. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the UAE and Oman have significant implications for the region's infrastructure, economy, and human life. As climate change continues to exacerbate these events, it is crucial for governments and citizens to take proactive measures to mitigate their impact and adapt to the new climate reality.

Determined to avoid a repeat of this devastation, UAE authorities have taken several precautionary steps. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has raised the alert level and advised all public and private sector entities to activate remote work systems on Thursday and Friday. All schools will shift to distance learning, while roads leading to valleys, dams, and flood-prone areas will be closed.

Residents are also taking measures to protect their homes and businesses. Many are stacking sandbags to prevent floodwaters from entering, while others are stocking up on vital supplies. "We typically close our business by 1 am, but last night we shut the shop at 10 pm and stacked sandbags in front of the entrance to prevent water from seeping in,"said the cashierof Shaheen Grocery in Abu Shagra, Sharjah.

Theheavy rainshave already caused some disruptions. On Thursday, Dubai International Airport reported 13 flight cancellations and five diversions as a result of the unsettled weather. However, the airport was able to quickly resume normal operations. Intercity bus services were also temporarily suspended in Sharjah but later resumed in Dubai.

Scientists have linked the record rainfall to climate change, stating that it makes extreme rainfall events in the UAE and Oman 10-40% more intense than they would have been without global warming. The World Weather Attribution initiative, a team of 21 scientists and researchers, found that climate change was making extreme rainfall events in the region more severe.

The UAE is bracing for this wave of unstable weather, residents are urged to take precautions and stay safe. With proactive measures in place and heightened vigilance, the country aims to minimize the impact of the anticipated storms and ensure the well-being of its citizens and residents. The resilience and preparedness of the UAE will be tested once again as it faces thislatest weather challenge.

Key Takeaways

• UAE prepares for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on May 2, 2024, after exceptional storms caused flooding and damage two weeks prior.
• Authorities issue warnings, activate remote work, and close roads to minimize disruptions and ensure public safety.
• Residents take precautions, stacking sandbags and stocking up on supplies to protect homes and businesses.
• Scientists link record rainfall to climate change, making extreme events 10-40% more intense.
• UAE aims to minimize impact of anticipated storms, ensuring citizen and resident well-being.