By Unprecedented Rainfall in UAE, Breaking 75-Year Records
In an unprecedented occurrence, the rainfall in UAE on Tuesday, April 16, broke records that spanned 75 years. The downpour, accompanied by intense thunderstorms and hail, wreaked havoc nationwide, particularly impacting major transportation hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports.
Record Rainfall in Al Ain
As per the National Centre of Meteorology, the ‘Khatm Al Shakla’ area in Al Ain bore the brunt of the rainfall, receiving an astonishing 254.8mm of precipitation within 24 hours. This extreme weather event posed significant challenges in managing the aftermath, prompting authorities to scramble to ensure public safety amidst the ensuing chaos.
Transportation Disruptions
The adverse weather triggered a massive landslide in Al Qua, Al Ain, resulting in a monumental collapse of a sandy road, disrupting traffic and altering travel routes for commuters. Meanwhile, in Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road came to a standstill as torrential rain flooded the streets, compelling many individuals to abandon their vehicles and continue on foot.
Impact on Aviation
Operations at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, were severely affected, with numerous flights encountering delays, diversions, and cancellations. Passengers traveling to and from destinations in India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Manchester bore the brunt of the disruptions, with at least 20 flights cancelled and dozens more delayed on April 16 alone.
Response and Recovery Efforts
In response to the crisis, airlines such as Emirates urged passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled flights. Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority extended the operating hours of the Dubai Metro to accommodate stranded commuters. Additionally, travelers were advised to monitor flight statuses through airline websites and exercise caution while navigating flooded roadways.
Ongoing Challenges
A spokesperson for Dubai Airport confirmed the significant disruptions caused by the inclement weather, with operations temporarily suspended for 25 minutes on April 16. Despite efforts to restore normalcy, a total of 21 outbound and 24 inbound flights were cancelled, with several others diverted to neighboring airports.
Top 10 Most Tracked Flights
As of approximately 16:32 UTC, data from flightradar24.com indicated that the top 10 most tracked flights were all inbound for DXB Airport.
By 20:16 UTC, according to flightradar24.com, DXB Airport was noted as the most disrupted airport, with significant arrival and departure delays averaging 91 minutes and 102 minutes, respectively, which later extended further.
Conclusion
As the UAE grapples with the aftermath of this unparalleled rainfall, authorities continue to work tirelessly to restore order and minimize further disruptions to transportation and daily life.
