This is considered the heaviest rainfall in Dubai's recorded history, with a rainfall of up to 42.2 mm within 24 hours. The heavy rain caused chaos at the airport. Many flights were canceled or delayed, leaving thousands of passengers waiting. Some areas in the airport were also flooded, making it difficult for passengers to move around.
More than 1,000 flights to and from the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were canceled; many others were diverted and delayed. Dubai Airport, which usually handles about 250,000 passengers a day, had to impose restrictions on the number of arrivals.
Dubai flooded incredibly, a series of supercars and luxury cars swimming in water
In addition, the heavy rain also caused damage to the infrastructure of Dubai International Airport. Rainwater damaged some electrical systems and electronic equipment, affecting the airport's operations. Dubai is a hot and dry city with little rain, so the urban infrastructure was not built to cope with such large-scale rains.
Dubai airport struggles to resume flights after historic floods
To address the situation, Dubai International Airport has mobilized its staff to clean up the dirty water and repair damaged infrastructure. However, due to the heavy rainfall and the complexity of the damage, the repair may take a long time.
Unprecedented heavy rain in UAE desert
This historic rainfall is a reminder of the immense power of nature and the impact it can have on humans. It also shows the importance of preparing for extreme weather events, especially for critical infrastructure like airports.
Most schools across the UAE have closed and government employees have been encouraged to work remotely if possible. Many workers have also chosen to stay home because of the flooding, although some have ventured out, leaving their vehicles stalled.
