Dubai Breaks 75-Year Rainfall Record: Indian Embassy Announces Helpline; 135 Dead in Pakistan and Afghanistan
In the past 4 days, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and many Gulf countries have experienced worsening conditions due to rainfall. UAE has broken a 75-year rainfall record. Amidst conditions similar to a flood in Dubai, the Indian consulate there has announced a helpline number for assistance.
In Pakistan and Afghanistan, rainfall has resulted in the deaths of 135 people overall, with 70 deaths in Afghanistan and 65 in Pakistan. Oman has also recorded 20 deaths due to the rains. Earlier on Wednesday, due to adverse weather conditions in Dubai, India had to cancel 28 flights scheduled to arrive. Emergency measures were implemented in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
300 Flights Cancelled at Dubai Airport
Media reports indicate that Dubai has recorded approximately 15.2 cm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. On Tuesday, over 10 inches of rainfall was recorded. According to BBC News, on Wednesday alone, 300 flights were cancelled at Dubai International Airport due to heavy rains. Airport authorities have advised people not to come there. Additionally, due to rainfall in Oman, 1400 people have been relocated to shelters, with schools and government offices closed.
Alert for Heavy Rainfall Until April 22
The Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has advised people in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dir, Swat, and Abbottabad not to leave their homes. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the country until April 22. Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in affected areas, with efforts ongoing to provide relief materials and maintain roadways for transportation. Similar warnings have been issued for many other regions in Pakistan.
Entire Year’s Rainfall in 2 Days in Dubai
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain, heavy rainfall has caused a situation akin to a flood, resulting in one fatality so far. The entire year’s worth of rainfall has been recorded in two days. Roads, railways, and flights have been affected. Offices and schools in these cities have been closed, with people advised to work from home.
Reasons for Weather Changes in Gulf Countries
The main reason for weather changes in Gulf countries is the formation of low-pressure systems from the southwest. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had issued a warning two days ago for heavy rainfall in UAE and Saudi Arabia. The weather department had also warned of wind speeds reaching 65 km/h during this period. Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the NCM, stated that Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah may also experience rain showers.
Heavy Rains Cause 20 Deaths in 4 Days in Oman, Involving 10 School Children
Heavy rains have been pouring in Oman for the last three days. The situation is worsening in many parts of the country, including Muscat. Due to the rains, 20 people have died so far, with 10 school children among them, who were traveling on a bus. A sudden flood caused the bus to be swept away.
Some of the deceased were trapped in areas where water quickly filled up, and they couldn’t find a way out.
1.5 Lakh People Rescued in Kazakhstan
The situation is critical in Kazakhstan due to heavy rains. A total of 1.5 lakh people have been evacuated safely from the affected areas. 16,000 people have been directed towards their homes.
