The Weather Network

Deadly floods sweep Arabian Peninsula, Dubai airport temporarily shut down

Reuters
Published on Apr. 16, 2024, 4:04 PM

The storms have closed Dubai International Airport temporarily, according to local media reports

Due to heavy rains in Dubai and other regions of the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Peninsula, government employees and private school staff have been instructed to work remotely on Tuesday.

The Emirates' National Center of Meteorology has issued warnings of thunderstorms, lightning, rainfall, and possible hail, accompanied by winds of up to 70 kph (43 mph).

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In Oman, heavy rainfall has led to flash flooding on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in the loss of at least 17 lives as rescue operations continue.

Flash floods are common during heavy rainfall, attracting onlookers to nearby dry riverbeds, known as wadi in Arabic. However, these areas can quickly fill with water during flooding, posing dangers to individuals and vehicles alike.

Below are some scenes of the severe weather sweeping the region:

Reuters: Cars drive through a flooded street during a rain storm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 16, 2024. REUTERS/Abdel Hadi Ramahi

Cars drive through a flooded street during a rain storm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 16, 2024. (REUTERS/Abdel Hadi Ramahi)

Reuters: A general view of floods caused by heavy rains, with the Burj Khalifa tower visible in the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 16, 2024. REUTERS/Abdelhadi Ramahi

A general view of floods caused by heavy rains, with the Burj Khalifa tower visible in the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 16, 2024. (REUTERS/Abdelhadi Ramahi)