Meteorological department of UAE has predicted that the rain will continue today – Citizens are advised to stay-home
- World’s bussiest airport in Dubai temporarily halts operations . Flights cancelled and delayed at Dubai International Airport
- UAE government employees to continue working from home on Wednesday
- Road closures announced across UAE .
- UAE authorities urge residents to stay at home .
- Tour operators cancelled desert safari and cruises.
- Rain water flooded in malls and metro stations.
- 150 Pakistanis stranded at Al Ain Airport
- Hazardous weather events’ expected to last until 6:00pm on Wednesday.
Torrential rain paralysed the daily life and caused floods around the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, and left 18 dead in Oman on Sunday and Monday.
Some inland areas of the UAE recorded more than 80 millimetres (3.2 inches) of rain over 24 hours to 8am, approaching the annual average of about 100mm.
Rainfall disrupted daily life in the United Arab Emirates, leading to flooded Dubai Metro stations and impacting flight schedules at Dubai Airport, along with major roadways.
Both Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, leading shopping centers, experienced flooding, with social media images depicting ankle-deep water in at least one Dubai Metro station. Roads and residential areas faced significant flooding, with many residents reporting leaks from roofs, doors, and windows.
A Dubai spokeperson said,
“Due to the continued exceptional weather event currently being experienced in the UAE, Dubai International is temporarily diverting inbound flights due to arrive this evening,” adding that departures will continue.
Reports from UAE media indicate that post-rain, numerous highways in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were closed, with ongoing flooding in metro stations.
The Emirates Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall. Authorities have advised citizens to minimize travel unless necessary.
150 Pakistanis stranded at Al Ain Airport :
Around 150 passengers found themselves stranded at Al Ain Airport in the UAE on Tuesday. Their flight, Flydubai FZ-334, originating from Karachi and bound for Dubai, was diverted due to heavy rainfall causing flooding at Dubai Airport, rendering it unfit for landing.
A video circulated by one of the passengers showcased the extensive flooding at Dubai Airport, illustrating the adverse weather conditions prompting the diversion. Flightradar data indicated that the flight, scheduled to land in Dubai at 12:45 pm, was redirected to Al Ain, ultimately touching down around 4 pm.
Upon reaching Al Ain, the passengers faced worsening conditions, reporting a lack of essential amenities at the smaller and less-equipped airport compared to Dubai’s international hub. They expressed frustration over the absence of provided meals, noting the absence of both lunch and dinner.
Furthermore, accommodations were unavailable, and dining facilities were insufficient. Neither the airline nor airport authorities could be immediately reached for comment on the situation.
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