Dubai Floods Cause Travel Chaos at International Airport
Heavy Rains Submerge Roads and Homes, Leading to Backlog of Flights
April 18, 2024 | 2:01 PM
Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has been hit by flash flooding after historic rainfall, causing chaos in several parts of the country. Dubai International Airport, a major travel hub, has been particularly affected, with many roads around the site submerged and a backlog of flights piling up.
Despite the challenges, Dubai International Airport expects to be fully operational and clear its flight backlog. The airport has implemented measures to quickly drain the water and restore normal operations.
The flash flooding resulted from a storm that dumped an unprecedented amount of rain on the desert city. By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. The city is notoriously one of the driest places on the planet, with an average annual rainfall of only 10 centimeters (4 inches).
The heavy rains caused widespread flooding in residential areas, inundating neighborhoods and leaving cars submerged. Emergency services have been working throughout the night to evacuate residents and clear flooded roads.
The storm and flooding have disrupted daily life in Dubai, a major business and tourist destination. Schools and businesses have been closed, and transportation has been severely affected. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
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