Dubai International Airport faced unprecedented chaos as heavy rain and thunderstorms wreaked havoc, flooding crucial areas and disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers.
Video footage circulating on social media depicted the severity of the situation, with planes struggling to navigate through waterlogged runways.
Operations at the airport were temporarily suspended for 25 minutes to address the disruption, highlighting the severity of the situation. The airport management confirmed the challenges faced due to major flooding on roads leading to the airport, exacerbating the already tumultuous conditions.
In response to the crisis, authorities swiftly took action, temporarily diverting arriving flights until weather conditions improve. Despite this, departures continued, albeit with potential delays.
Passengers were urged to stay updated on their flight statuses, allow extra travel time, and consider utilizing the Dubai Metro for smoother transit amidst the chaos.
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The adverse weather conditions also prompted cancellations and diversions of numerous flights, causing significant inconvenience to travelers. Reports indicated that a total of 17 flights were canceled, with additional flights diverted to alternate airports due to the extreme downpours.
The situation was not confined to Dubai International Airport alone, as other airports in the region, including Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Sharjah International Airport, also experienced delays and disruptions.
UAE authorities issued safety alerts, advising residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, as severe storms continued to sweep across the Emirates. The Government of Dubai extended remote working arrangements for employees and directed private schools to continue remote learning, prioritizing safety amid the inclement weather conditions.
As the UAE National Centre of Meteorology forecasted unstable weather with strong winds persisting throughout the day, the public was urged to exercise caution and stay updated on the latest developments.
Heavy flooding kills 17 in Oman
Meanwhile, severe rainfall triggered flash floods in Oman on the eastern border of the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in the loss of at least 17 lives as rescue operations continue.
Among the casualties was a group of school children and a driver whose vehicle was swept away, according to authorities.
The heavy rainfall is anticipated to affect Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and other neighboring areas of the Arabian Peninsula.
Civil defense authorities provided updates on the death toll, with North Al Sharqiyah province in Oman being the most severely impacted. The Royal Oman Police and the Omani military have been mobilized to assist in evacuating citizens from flooded zones, as reported by the state-run Oman News Agency.
