Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airfields for international travel, recently experienced a historic weather event. The desert nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was hit by the heaviest rain ever recorded, resulting in widespread flooding that disrupted flights and transportation. Here are the key details:
Historic Rainfall:
- On Tuesday, the UAE witnessed a deluge that surpassed any weather event documented since data collection began in 1949. The rain was particularly acute across the country, affecting not only Dubai but also neighboring regions in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
- Meteorologists suspect that “cloud seeding” may have contributed to the intense rainfall. Cloud seeding involves small planes flying through clouds and releasing special salt flares to enhance precipitation.
Impact on Dubai Airport:
- The storms began late Monday, soaking Dubai with approximately 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rain. By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) had fallen—far exceeding the average annual rainfall of 94.7 millimeters at Dubai International Airport.
- The airport faced significant challenges due to the flooding. Aircraft crews couldn’t reach the airfield, leading to diverted flights and limited transportation options. Dubai International Airport issued a warning, advising passengers not to come to the airport unless absolutely necessary. Recovery efforts are underway, but it will take time.
Climate Change and Water Resources:
- The UAE heavily relies on energy-intensive desalination plants for water supply. Cloud seeding is part of their strategy to increase groundwater availability.
- Scientists emphasize that climate change contributes to more intense and frequent extreme weather events worldwide, including storms, droughts, floods, and wildfires.
In summary, Dubai airport faces a challenging recovery process after record-breaking rain. Passengers are urged to stay away while authorities work diligently to restore normal operations. The impact of climate change underscores the need for sustainable water management and disaster preparedness.
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