20 Dead in UAE and Oman Floods After Record Rain

Record-breaking rainfall in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman has led to severe flooding, claiming the lives of at least 20 people and causing widespread disruption. The UAE experienced its heaviest rainfall on record on Wednesday, with one area receiving as much as 10 inches (254 mm) of rainfall in a 24-hour period. This exceptional event caused severe flooding in Dubai, the country’s largest city, leading to road closures and disruptions in public transportation.

The extreme weather also disrupted operations at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports. Videos on social media showed planes navigating flooded runways, prompting the airport to divert several inbound flights and advise against non-essential travel. Emirates, the UAE’s flag carrier, suspended check-ins for all outgoing flights from Dubai until midnight Thursday due to operational challenges caused by the weather.

Tragically, the severe weather has resulted in the loss of at least one life in the UAE. A man in his 70s was reported to have been swept away by floodwaters.

In neighboring Oman, heavy rains since the start of the week have led to flash flooding in several parts of the country, causing the deaths of at least 19 people. Among the casualties are an infant and 12 school children who were on a school bus swept away by floodwaters. Some areas of Oman received more than 7 inches of rain, leading to significant damage and loss of life.

The record-breaking rainfall in Dubai on Tuesday, totaling 5.59 inches, exceeded the city’s average annual rainfall of 3.73 inches, according to the Associated Press. The unprecedented weather events in both the UAE and Oman highlight the growing impact of climate change and the need for enhanced disaster preparedness measures in the region.