Unprecedented Rainfall Submerges Dubai in Floodwaters for Days
Unleashing a deluge of rain, Dubai experiences extensive flooding with roads transformed into waterways and residences and commercial establishments submerged in fast-flowing waters.
Immense flash flooding hit Dubai on Tuesday, with a year's worth of rain causing roads to resemble rivers and homes and businesses to be submerged in rushing water.
Videos captured the shocking sight of Dubai International Airport's tarmac completely underwater. Despite being the second-busiest airport globally, massive aircraft were seen struggling to navigate through the floodwaters. The jets appeared more like boats as they moved through the flooded airport, with water spraying behind them and waves rippling in the deep water.
The airport had to stop operations for almost thirty minutes on Tuesday. According to an advisory from the airport, operations are still facing significant disruptions due to major flooding on the access roads leading to Dubai airport.
Men gesture as they try to tow a vehicle out of standing water in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday.
Men gesture as they try to tow a vehicle out of standing water in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday.
Jon Gambrell/AP
On Tuesday, the airport recorded nearly 4 inches (100 mm) of rain in just 12 hours. This amount is equivalent to what Dubai typically receives in an entire year, as per United Nations data.
The heavy and rapid rainfall led to flooding, causing some drivers to leave their vehicles behind as the water levels rose and roads transformed into flowing rivers.
Video from social media showed water rushing through an area mall and inundating the ground floor of homes.
A vehicle drives through deep floodwaters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday.
A vehicle drives through deep floodwaters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday.
Jon Gambrell/AP
Dubai, just like the rest of the United Arab Emirates, experiences a hot and dry climate. This means that rainfall is rare and the infrastructure is not equipped to handle extreme weather events.
When it rained on Tuesday, it poured heavily.
Torrential rainfall events are expected to occur more frequently as a result of human-induced climate change. As the atmosphere warms up, it has the capacity to absorb more moisture, similar to a towel, and release it in the form of intense episodes of flooding rainfall.
Cars drive through a flooded street in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday.
Cars drive through a flooded street in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday.
Abdel Hadi Ramahi/Reuters
The heavy rain in Dubai that caused flooding is part of a larger storm system that is moving across the Arabian Peninsula and into the Gulf of Oman. This system is also bringing wet weather to Oman and southeastern Iran.
The rain is expected to decrease by Tuesday night, with a few lingering showers possible on Wednesday before dry weather returns.
Editor's P/S:
The intense flooding in Dubai serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of climate change. The unprecedented rainfall, equivalent to a year's worth in just 12 hours, has exposed the vulnerability of infrastructure in regions unaccustomed to extreme weather events. The struggle of massive aircraft navigating through flooded tarmac at Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest, is a testament to the disruption and safety hazards posed by such events.
As the planet warms, extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent and severe. The intense rainfall in Dubai is a wake-up call for global action to mitigate climate change. Adaptation measures, such as improving drainage systems and building flood-resilient infrastructure, are crucial to minimize the impact of future events. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing among nations affected by similar flooding risks can contribute to effective strategies and enhance preparedness for future occurrences.
