More than 120 millimeters (4.7 inches) of rain soaked the city-state on Tuesday, with more rain expected in the coming hours.
Tuesday 16 April 2024 17:14, United Kingdom
International flights arriving at Dubai Airport, the world's busiest airport, will be temporarily diverted to other destinations this evening as the airport suffers massive flooding due to heavy rains.
More than 120 millimeters (4.7 inches) of rain fell on Tuesday, a typical annual average for the desert country, with more rain expected in the coming hours.
Houses and roads were flooded, and partially submerged cars were left abandoned.
tarmac dubai The international airport was also flooded as planes detoured around what appeared to be a lake.
Earlier, it was announced that airport operations were suspended for 25 minutes due to bad weather, and that at least 21 outbound and 24 inbound flights were canceled during the day, with three flights being diverted to other airports.
The airport said departures continued to operate despite the disruption.
Heavy rain also fell in other parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson said: “Severe showers and thunderstorms are affecting the eastern Arabian Peninsula and southern Iran today, with further heavy rain possible on Wednesday.”
“The risk will also extend to southwestern Pakistan.
“Flash floods are not uncommon in the UAE and occur most years, but usually between December and March.
“More than 40mm of rain fell at both Dubai airports earlier today, according to the Met Office, potentially making it Dubai's wettest day in April.
“Both urban areas and burnt ground increase the risk of surface water flooding because water has a harder time penetrating into the ground.”
Lightning streaked across the sky, sometimes touching the tip of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.
Rain is rare in the United Arab Emirates, but rain does occur regularly during the cold winter months.
Without regular rain, many roads and other areas have insufficient drainage, causing flooding.
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Police and emergency workers could be seen driving slowly through flooded roads, and tanker trucks were called in to pump out water.
It also rained in Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, at least 18 people died nearby. oman After the recent heavy rain.
The victims included 10 school children and one adult who were swept away by the car.
