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Last Saturday (13), an unexpected weather event brought chaos to Emirados Arabes Unidos. After a rare storm that released a volume of rain equivalent to half that expected for the entire year in six hours, Dubai is flooded, causing extensive flooding, disrupting flights and delaying international events. 296j2n
The city is known for its high temperatures and arid climate, so the 50mm of rain recorded during the storm was enough to turn the streets of the UAE's financial metropolis into rivers, causing flooding in areas that rarely see rain.
Record storm 1s4j2b
The magnitude of the event caught both the inhabitants and the authorities by surprise. Dubai, which has invested in technology to induce rain and combat drought, found itself ill-prepared to deal with the sudden excess of water. Images shared on social media showed submerged cars and people moving through normally dry areas now converted into temporary rainwater channels.
Meteorologists noted that this storm was atypical for the region and highlighted that extreme weather events like this are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The scientific community warns of the need for cities to rethink their infrastructure and preparations for natural disasters, especially those, like Dubai, that are used to dealing more with water scarcity than its abundance.
Impacts 3l29
After the storm, the impact was immediate and severe in several sectors of the city. Dubai airport, one of the busiest in the world, had to cancel, delay or divert hundreds of flights, affecting thousands of engers. Authorities issued warnings the night before, advising residents to stay at home and avoid flood-prone areas, a measure that reflects the severity of the situation.
Fire trucks and rescue teams were mobilized to drain water from the most affected areas and help with the evacuation of stranded residents and tourists. Businesspeople and participants in international events, such as the World Skateboarding Circuit, who were forced to postpone their activities, found a city struggling to manage this crisis.
The situation in Dubai has raised alarm bells among authorities, who are now questioning the capacity of early warning systems and urban infrastructure in the face of unexpected weather challenges. The incident revealed the urgency of reforms in drainage systems and emergency management, in preparation for a future where extreme phenomena may be more frequent.
Infrastructure and disaster preparedness 44hg
The storm served as a wake-up call for Dubai and surrounding cities, which also face this type of problem due to their weather conditions. The lack of adequate infrastructure to handle large volumes of water has become evident, and there is now a call for investment in drainage systems and urban planning that can mitigate the effects of future storms.
Urbanism and climate experts suggest that Dubai should look at this experience as an opportunity to integrate green infrastructure solutions, such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, which can help absorb rainwater and reduce the risk of flooding. Furthermore, they state that it is essential to review urban development policies to ensure that the city's expansion does not increase its vulnerability to flooding.
As Dubai prepares to host the COP28, the recent climate crisis highlights the urgent need for international cooperation in climate research and natural disaster management. Lessons learned are expected to drive fundamental discussions on adaptation and sustainability policies during the event, positioning Dubai as a proactive leader in the search for global solutions to climate resilience.
Additionally, Dubai authorities are being encouraged to strengthen public education and awareness programs on climate change. This includes training on safety measures during extreme events and promoting a culture of preparedness that can save lives in emergency situations. It is expected that these initiatives, combined with more robust infrastructure, will better prepare the city and its inhabitants to face the climate uncertainties of the future.
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Sources: CNN, AP News, CBS News
reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 16 / 4 / 24.
