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Dubai deluged AGAIN after ‘biblical’ floods as city sends out urgent alerts

02 May 2024 , 09:04
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The city is already reeling from severe flooding two weeks ago - which left a huge clean-up bill
The city is already reeling from severe flooding two weeks ago - which left a huge clean-up bill

TORRENTIAL rain is again battering Dubai just two weeks after severe flooding engulfed the city.

Authorities have issued an emergency public safety alert - warning residents to stay safe as storms sweep across.

Cars drive through a flooded road following a storm in Dubai qhidquiqeziqzqprw
Cars drive through a flooded road following a storm in DubaiCredit: Reuters
Lightning strikes overnight in Dubai as storms sweep across the city
Lightning strikes overnight in Dubai as storms sweep across the city
A road screen board alerts motorists of heavy rainfall in Dubai
A road screen board alerts motorists of heavy rainfall in DubaiCredit: EPA
Heavy rain is causing issues on roads
Heavy rain is causing issues on roads
Motorists have been warned not to drive unless 'absolutely necessary'
Motorists have been warned not to drive unless 'absolutely necessary'
The world's tallest building Burj Khalifa is flanked by clouds in Dubai
The world's tallest building Burj Khalifa is flanked by clouds in DubaiCredit: EPA
Trucks have been deployed to clear water off roads
Trucks have been deployed to clear water off roadsCredit: Reuters

On April 14 and 15, Dubai suffered its heaviest rainfall in more than 70 years, sparking what was branded "biblical" flooding.

A year's worth of rain poured in just 24 hours, with the city woefully unprepared.

An airport was left submerged underwater, roads at a standstill and homes and businesses filled up with water.

Stormy gales wash walrus and seals ashore as urgent warnings for SNOW issuedStormy gales wash walrus and seals ashore as urgent warnings for SNOW issued

It is feared the destructive deluge could end up costing Dubai up to $1billion to clean up damage.

Now police have warned locals of even more adverse weather rocking the city.

Cops have urged residents to "avoid beaches, refrain from sailing and stay clear of valleys" in its latest alert issued on Wednesday evening.

Unstable weather conditions are forecasted for Thursday and Friday as authorities take action to stop the rain again wreaking havoc.

Horrified residents were woken up today by strong winds and rain in the early hours.

Brit expat Tom Evans, from Stoke, told The Sun: "It’s not as bad as April’s carnage but Dubai and Abu Dhabi have both pretty much ground to a halt."

Specialised teams have been deployed to quickly tackle big accumulations of rainwater and keep drivers safe.

But some flights have already been cancelled because of bad weather across the United Arab Emirates.

At least nine arrivals and four outbound flights from Dubai International Airport were cancelled overnight, while five inbound plans were diverted.

Meanwhile, several flights have been ditched by Emirates.

Skiers in Austria make the most of the little snow left as slopes meltSkiers in Austria make the most of the little snow left as slopes melt

A spokesman said: "Customers arriving or departing from Dubai airport on May 2 can expect some delays as flights are rescheduled."

Dramatic footage shows the city being battered by stormy conditions - with several roads waterlogged.

Another clip shared on social media shows lightning crashing in the night sky.

Heavy downpours and thunderstorms are also sweeping through the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

UAE's weather service, The National Center of Meteorology, has issued an amber alert for covering, covering much of the country.

Motorists have been warned to avoid driving "unless absolutely necessary".

An alert from the service reads: "If necessary, drive with caution and remain vigilant and alert to ensure safety of all road users."

Homes were left surrounded by deep water in April
Homes were left surrounded by deep water in AprilCredit: Reuters
Residents were forced to get around using boats as cars have been abandoned on the streets
Residents were forced to get around using boats as cars have been abandoned on the streetsCredit: Reuters
Cars were left abandoned in the floods many without insurance
Cars were left abandoned in the floods many without insurance
Operations at Dubai's main airport were seriously halted
Operations at Dubai's main airport were seriously halted

Katie Davis

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