Posted by New Delhi: Incessant rains lashed Dubai on Tuesday, throwing normal life out of gear in the Gulf, better known for its arid climate and sweltering summer heat. Heavy downpour caused widespread flooding at Dubai airport, the world’s busiest international air hub measured by passenger traffic. The torrential rain inundated the tarmac of Dubai International Airport, prompting authorities to temporarily divert several flights and briefly halt the operations amid the chaos caused by the storm.
Dubai airport paralysed by heavy rain, flooding
Several videos and images on social media showed planes taxiing across an apron flooded with deep standing water. The airport, which expects more than 100 flight arrivals on a typical evening, was paralysed by the heavy storms and subsequent flooding, witnessing a rare suspension of arrivals. “Due to the intense storm, operations were temporarily suspended for 25 minutes this afternoon, but have since recommenced, and are now in recovery mode,” a Dubai Airports spokesperson said.
“Due to the continued exceptional weather event currently being experienced in the UAE, Dubai International is temporarily diverting inbound flights due to arrive this evening… until the inclement situation improves,” the spokesperson added.
Dubai Airport right now
pic.twitter.com/FX992PQvAU
— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) April 16, 2024
📍Dubai Airport after today’s rain pic.twitter.com/PkQl7ib2xa
— Mister J. – مسٹر جے (@Angryman_J) April 16, 2024
Similar scenes repeated across Dubai
Besides the major international airport, roads, malls, houses in the bustling city and elsewhere in the UAE were also submerged in flooding brought on by the equivalent of about two years’ worth of rain Tuesday. Flagship shopping centres Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates also experienced similar scenes of flooding and chaos, while water was ankle-deep at at least one Dubai Metro station. Schools were shut across the UAE and were expected to remain closed on Wednesday, owing to more rain forecast.
The storms descended on the UAE, Bahrain and areas of Qatar after passing over Oman, where they caused deadly floods and left at least 18 dead, including children, and dozens stranded.