UAE floods: Homes damaged, power outages, commuter chaos amid record rainfall
The unprecedented deluge caused widespread flooding, submerged streets, felled trees, saw flights diverted away from the world’s busiest airport, DXB, and disrupted daily life across the country — but also saw acts of kindness
The United Arab Emirates is grappling with the aftermath of the heaviest rainfall it has experienced in 75 years, as residents are left without power and counting the cost of damages to their homes and cars.
The unprecedented storm has caused widespread flooding, submerged streets, felled trees, shuttered schools, saw flights diverted away from the world’s busiest airport, DXB, and disrupted daily life across the country.
Residents took to social media platforms on Wednesday to share images and stories of the devastation caused by the torrential downpour.
Speaking to Al Arabiya English, a resident of Al Waqa 1 in Dubai, Shahez Ahmed, said: “Residents, including myself, have been severely affected by the flooding, particularly in our building located in the corner of the area. The inundation of the roads saw the water breach our building, infiltrating critical areas such as the water pump room and the electrical room, leading to a power outage.”
Ahmed further explained: “Consequently, we have been without water, electricity, and gas for more than 24 hours now, with no option to prepare food or carry out basic household tasks. Despite continuous attempts to reach out to the building maintenance team, there has been little to no progress in resolving the situation.”
He said: “The flooding has also obstructed access to the building, making it impossible for grocery deliveries to reach us. As a result, residents, some of whom are trapped indoors, have been forced to navigate through waist-high water to procure essential supplies.”
Ahmed added: “This unprecedented event has left long-term residents like myself, who have called Dubai home for 24 years, shocked and concerned. Never before have we witnessed such severe flooding and rainfall in this city.”
A resident in Arabian Ranches, who asked not to be named, told Al Arabiya English on Wednesday she was without power after the flooding. “As of now, my house has no electricity or water, the roof in my master bedroom has collapsed, and water is leaking from the roof in every other room and garage.”
Residents in Damac Hills reported blown fuse boxes, power outages, and water gushing from ceilings and under doors
