THE Arabian Peninsula, typically known for its dry climate, recently faced an unusual weather phenomenon. A storm swept across the UAE and Oman, bringing record-breaking rainfall that led to extensive flooding and major disruptions. This event was marked by a sudden, heavy downpour following a long dry spell. The storm first hit Oman on Monday, April 14, then moved to the UAE on Tuesday, causing power outages and significant flight disruptions as runways were flooded. In Al Ain, a city on the Oman border, a record 254 millimetres of rainfall was recorded within 24 hours, the highest since records began in 1949.
As a witness to this deluge in Dubai, a record-breaking event, it underscored the escalating severity of weather extremes in our warming world. A potent low-pressure system triggered severe thunderstorms across the UAE and neighbouring regions, leading to unprecedented rainfall. While it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact role of climate change in this event, the phenomenon aligns with the broader patterns we’re observing globally. Climate scientists warn that rising global temperatures, driven by human-induced climate change, are leading to more extreme weather events worldwide, including intense rainfall.
Global warming has led to “extraordinarily” warm water in the seas around Dubai, where there is also very warm air above. This increases both potential evaporation rates and the capacity of the atmosphere to hold that water, allowing bigger dumps of rainfall. Gabi Hegerl, a climatologist, predicts that extreme rainfall, like in the UAE and Oman, is likely to worsen in many places due to the effects of climate change. This extra moisture is due to the warmer air, a result of human-caused climate change.
The recent floods in the UAE have sparked a debate about the role of cloud seeding. However, experts, including Prof Diana Francis from Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, suggest that the torrential rainfall was more likely due to a typical weather system that was exacerbated by climate change. They explain that cloud seeding is not performed when intense and large-scale systems are forecasted, as there is simply no need to seed such robust systems. In terms of side effects, the environmental and health impacts of cloud seeding are considered minimal due to the low concentrations of substances used. However, concerns persist over the potential accumulation of seeding agents in sensitive ecosystems.
While cloud seeding may have played a part in the recent extreme weather in the UAE, the main culprit appears to be climate change. As the world continues to warm, we can expect to see more of these extreme weather events. It’s a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. The extraordinary rainfall in Dubai & had a significant aftermath. Known for its modern infrastructure and luxurious lifestyle, the city found itself dealing with waterlogged roads and flooded homes. Dubai International Airport, a major travel hub, faced challenges in clearing a backlog of flights, and many roads remained flooded. The rains brought much of the country to a standstill and caused significant damage.
Despite its modernity, the extreme rainfall event revealed some weaknesses in UAE’s infrastructure. The drainage systems were not prepared to handle such a large volume of rain in a short period. This has sparked discussions about the need for infrastructure improvements to cope with similar events in the future. In response to the floods, UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed ordered a swift assessment of the infrastructure throughout the UAE to limit the damage caused. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) collaborated with its partners to form an on-ground force that immediately began reviewing and assessing the damages caused by the intense rainfall. Emirates President Tim Clark acknowledged in an open letter to customers that the airline’s response was not perfect, but efforts were made to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
After the floods, the UAE government took several steps for the betterment of its citizens. Government employees were instructed to work from home until the end of the week, and private firms were encouraged to follow suit. Schools across the country were closed. In addition to these measures, the UAE government took some positive steps to mitigate the impact of the floods. They launched a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation program to assist those affected by the floods. This included providing temporary shelter to those whose homes were damaged, distributing food and essential supplies and offering financial aid to help people rebuild their lives. The government also initiated a thorough review of the city’s drainage and water management systems, with a view to making necessary upgrades and improvements.
While the UAE was not fully prepared for such an extreme rainfall event, the government’s swift response and commitment to assessing and improving the country’s infrastructure demonstrate a proactive approach towards better preparedness for future extreme weather events. The positive steps taken by the government in the aftermath of the floods are a testament to their commitment to the well-being of their citizens. As a witness to this rare and devastating weather phenomenon, I can attest to the urgency of addressing climate change and its impact on extreme weather events.
—The writer is a young activist who comes from Islamabad and now lives in Dubai.
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