Dubai Deluge: A Timeline of the Historic Floods (as of April 22, 2024, 18:27 IST)
Dubai, the dazzling city of the United Arab Emirates, known more for its luxurious desertscapes and towering skyscrapers, recently faced an unprecedented weather event – a deluge that caused widespread flooding and disrupted daily life. Here's a timeline of the event based on available news reports:
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
- 10:00 AM GST (05:30 AM IST): The Emirati National Center for Meteorology (NCM) issues weather warnings across the UAE, forecasting heavy rain and potential thunderstorms.
- 1:00 PM GST (08:30 AM IST): The first reports of heavy rain begin to emerge on social media, with residents sharing videos of flooded streets and overflowing wadis (dry riverbeds).
- 3:00 PM GST (10:30 AM IST): News outlets report that Dubai International Airport (DXB) has suspended operations due to flooding within the terminal buildings. Passengers are stranded as flights are grounded or diverted.
- 5:00 PM GST (12:30 PM IST): Images and videos of major highways submerged under water go viral, showcasing the severity of the downpour. Traffic comes to a standstill across the city as authorities urge residents to stay indoors.
- 7:00 PM GST (02:30 PM IST): Local media reports that Dubai is experiencing its heaviest rainfall in over 75 years, surpassing all previously recorded data. The deluge is attributed to a combination of factors, including low pressure systems and high levels of moisture in the atmosphere.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
- 8:00 AM GST (03:30 AM IST): News reports confirm that Dubai's emergency services are working tirelessly throughout the night to clear debris, drain flooded areas, and assist stranded residents.
- 10:00 AM GST (05:30 AM IST): Authorities announce the gradual resumption of operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) with limited capacity. Many flights remain cancelled or rescheduled.
- 12:00 PM GST (07:30 AM IST): The Dubai government launches a relief campaign to support residents affected by the floods. Schools and universities remain closed for another day to ensure safety.
- 3:00 PM GST (10:30 AM IST): Initial damage assessments begin, revealing significant damage to infrastructure, property, and vehicles. The full extent of the economic impact is yet to be determined.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
- 9:00 AM GST (04:30 AM IST): Dubai International Airport (DXB) resumes full operations, with most airlines working to re-accomodate stranded passengers.
- 1:00 PM GST (08:30 AM IST): Cleanup efforts continue across the city, with residents and volunteers working alongside municipal authorities. Social media platforms highlight acts of solidarity and community spirit.
- 5:00 PM GST (12:30 PM IST): Experts and climate scientists begin to analyze the causes of the unprecedented rainfall. Discussions emerge regarding the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness plans to handle extreme weather events in the future.
Friday, April 19, 2024 - Monday, April 22, 2024
- The following days see a continued focus on recovery efforts. News reports highlight the resilience of Dubai's residents and the city's infrastructure as they return to normalcy.
- Discussions on social media and news platforms continue regarding the long-term implications of the floods, including potential changes in urban planning and climate change adaptation strategies.
Current Situation (as of April 22, 2024, 18:27 IST):
While the immediate crisis appears to be subsiding, the full impact of the floods is still being assessed. Dubai is in the process of recovery and rebuilding. It's important to note that information may continue to emerge in the coming days and weeks, providing a clearer picture of the human and economic costs of this weather event.
Additional Notes:
- The role of cloud seeding, a weather modification technique, in causing the heavy rainfall is being debated. Some experts believe it may have contributed to the intensity of the downpour, while others maintain it simply enhanced existing precipitation.
- The human cost of the floods appears to be minimal, with no major casualties reported. However, many residents have suffered property damage and
