Dubai:
Heavy rain and thunderstorms lashed the UAE today, leading to the cancellation of several international flights, two weeks after Dubai was hit by unprecedented storms that paralyzed the emirate for days.
On Wednesday, the country's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) increased the level of preparedness and readiness of the national system to deal with the situation.
While these rains are expected to be less heavy than the unprecedented downpour that hit the country last month, the public is urged to take precautions.
On April 14 and 15, the regions of the Arabian Peninsula were hit by extreme rainfall, with Dubai experiencing the heaviest rainfall on record since 1949.
Dubai-based Emirates airline on Thursday announced the cancellation of several flights due to bad weather in the UAE, as movements at Dubai International Airport (DXB) were reduced.
“Customers arriving or departing from Dubai Airport on May 2 can expect some delays as flights are rescheduled,” Emirates said in a statement.
The following flights were canceled on May 2: 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 departs on May 3, 12:30 PM UAE time). The airline has also waived rebooking fees to help stranded passengers.
“Based on the expected weather conditions, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the NCEMA, has recommended activating remote learning for all educational institutions on Thursday and Friday, with the decisions to be taken by the competent authorities at the federal level and officials of local emergency management. teams, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and the Emirates Schools Establishment,” it said on Wednesday.
As heavy winds and light rain pounded major cities, residents seemed better equipped to get on with it. Remote work systems were advised Thursday and Friday for all government and private sectors, with the exception of critical jobs requiring workplace presence and jobs involved in response and recovery efforts. The Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with the NCEMA, has also decided to close all roads leading to areas prone to flash floods, water logging and dams during the weather conditions.
“They urged the public to stay away from these areas and adhere to safety standards and guidelines, and avoid mountain, desert and coastal areas,” a statement said. In addition to moderate to heavy rainfall in scattered areas, accompanied by isolated lightning and thunder, there has also been a warning of the possibility of small hail, concentrated in the western regions, on the coasts and in some eastern areas.
On Wednesday, some flights were disrupted and some events were postponed due to bad weather conditions. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said its flight (EY197) from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) was diverted to Al-Ain “due to adverse weather conditions in Abu Dhabi.” The flight, which was supposed to arrive in Abu Dhabi around 1:35 p.m., finally landed around 7:30 p.m.
In Dubai, the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) announced the temporary suspension of accepting requests for the entry and exit of wooden dhows in Dubai. The PCFC has also advised sailors not to sail during this time to ensure everyone's safety. As dark clouds gathered and howling winds began to batter the windows across the city, residents seemed more confident and certainly better prepared.
Dubai Metro announced the extension of operating hours in advance of expected weather conditions, from 12 noon to 5 a.m. (the following day). However, the number of stops for these trains was reduced.
“Severe thunderstorms are forecast in Dubai on May 2. If you are traveling to Dubai International Airport you may experience delays on the road. We recommend that you allow extra travel time to reach the airport and use the Dubai Metro where possible “, said the Emirates airline spokesperson. This was quoted by local media on Wednesday.
Authorities have also been advised to avoid boating and avoid valley areas, torrential rain and low lying places. They have been asked to exercise caution while driving vehicles and adhere to the instructions of the competent authorities.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)