Record-breaking rainfall in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has caused severe flooding, resulting in three deaths, according to officials, Associated Press reports.
Two women reportedly lost their lives after suffocating inside their vehicle amidst the flooding, while a man perished after his vehicle fell into a sinkhole, according to the Philippine’s Department of Migrant Workers. The exact toll of the storm remains uncertain as UAE authorities have yet to release comprehensive information.
The UAE typically experiences little rainfall due to its desert climate. However, the recent storm that had been forecasted for days, swept the desert nation, with Dubai receiving over 142 millimeters of rainfall in 24 hours, , far surpassing the average yearly rainfall of 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) at Dubai International Airport.
Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest for international travel, faced disruptions due to the adverse weather conditions. The CEO announced plans to return to normal operations within 24 hours, although long-haul carrier Emirates temporarily suspended local check-in for passengers traveling on its flights until early Saturday to aid in the recovery from the recent bad weather.
Meanwhile, neighboring Oman also grappled with intense floods in recent days, with authorities reporting a death toll of at least 21 from the storm’s impact.
