Dubai deluged by record rainfall, flights diverted
Non-stop thunder and lightning in DIFC, says Dubai Media Office
More than 120mm (47 inches) of rain soaked the emirate in a day
INTENSE RAINFALL swept across Dubai and the wider United Arab Emirates on Saturday, causing flash flooding and diverting flights at the world's busiest airport.
All arrival flights were diverted at Dubai International Airport, which handles more than 100 million passengers a year, as the city was hit by its heaviest rainfall in years.
More than 120mm (47 inches) of rain soaked the emirate in a day, with the downpour causing widespread disruption.
Videos posted on social media showed cars submerged in water and roads turned into rivers as the rain lashed down.
The severe weather conditions, which began on Saturday and continued into Sunday, were caused by a low-pressure system that moved across the region.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a red alert for heavy rain and flooding in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.
The NCM warned that the heavy rain could lead to flash flooding and urged residents to stay indoors and avoid driving.
The rain is expected to continue over the next few days, with the NCM forecasting more heavy downpours on Sunday and Monday.
The heavy rainfall is a rare occurrence in Dubai, which is known for its hot and dry climate.
The last time the city experienced similar rainfall was in 2018, when flash flooding caused widespread damage.
The heavy rain is also a reminder of the challenges that climate change is posing to the UAE and other countries in the region.
As the climate changes, the UAE is expected to experience more extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, droughts, and heat waves.
The UAE is taking steps to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as investing in renewable energy and water conservation.
However, the heavy rainfall in Dubai is a reminder that the UAE and other countries in the region need to do more to prepare for the challenges that climate change will bring.
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