Heavy Rain, Thunderstorm Hit UAE Again; Several Flights Cancelled (Photo on X Asma Ali Zain @asmaalizain)After the unprecedented rain wreaked havoc across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last month, the Gulf region today witnessed fresh challenges, with heavy rain and thunderstorms threatening its territory again. Powerful winds and heavy downpours caused disruptions to the international flights, and the Emirates airline has announced the cancellation of several flights.
The Dubai-based airline in a statement said that customers arriving or departing from Dubai airport on May 2, can expect some delays as flights are rescheduled.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has enhanced the preparedness to deal with any potential situation, the authority informed today.
While the intensity of the rain is predicted to be less than the previous one, the authority has cautioned the public to take precautions.
The country had witnessed widespread disruptions following the extreme rainfall in several Emirates on April 14 and 15. With record rainfall since 1949, Dubai suffered flooding in several key infrastructures.
In addition, the authorities have advised remote work for government and private employees. Roads leading to the areas that are prone to flash floods, and water accumulations have been closed by the Interior Ministry.
As heavy winds and light rains lashed across the main cities, residents appeared more equipped to ride it out. A government directory urged the public to stay away from the vulnerable areas and to adhere to safety standards and guidelines. It has also requested the resident to exercise caution while driving vehicles. Dubai Metro has also extended its operation hours from 12 AM to 5 AM. The guidelines were issued amid heavy winds and thunderstorms hitting the Arabian peninsula.
The flights that are cancelled includes EK 123/124 – between Dubai and Istanbul, EK 763/764 – between Dubai and Johannesburg, EK 719/720 – between Dubai and Nairobi, Ek 921/922 – between Dubai and Cairo, EK 903/904 – between Dubai and Amman, and EK 352/353 – between Dubai and Singapore (EK353 departing 3 May, 12.30 am – UAE time).