The Indian embassy in the UAE has issued a cautionary advisory urging Indian travelers bound for or transiting through Dubai International Airport to reconsider their non-urgent journeys due to the unusual and heavy rainfall experienced in the city this week.
Highlighting the impact of the relentless rain, the advisory recommended postponing non-essential travel plans until the airport operations stabilize. It emphasized that while UAE authorities are diligently working to restore normalcy, passengers should await definitive confirmation from their respective airlines regarding the resumption of flight schedules before heading to the airport.
The advisory elaborated on the disruptions caused by the unprecedented weather conditions, noting the temporary restriction on inbound flights at Dubai International Airport.
In response to the emergent situation, the Indian embassy promptly established emergency helpline numbers on April 17 to provide assistance to affected Indian citizens in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
The deluge on Tuesday resulted in a deluge of problems for Dubai, with the city experiencing a year's worth of rainfall in a single day. The downpour led to widespread flooding, with images and videos circulating on social media depicting the inundated runway at Dubai International Airport resembling an aquatic landscape. Roads were transformed into waterways, stranding vehicles and commuters, prompting a temporary suspension of airport operations for approximately thirty minutes. The situation was exacerbated by the significant accumulation of rainfall, with nearly 100 mm recorded within twelve hours and a total of 160 mm within twenty-four hours.
In a testament to community solidarity, volunteers mobilized kayaks to rescue individuals stranded by the flooding.
The adverse weather conditions resulted in numerous flight delays and cancellations, affecting travel routes to destinations including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, as reflected on the Dubai website.
Offering relief to stranded passengers, the Indian consulate facilitated communication between affected individuals in Dubai and their families in India. The embassy affirmed its continued support through the provision of helpline services until normalcy is restored, reaffirming its commitment to serving the Indian community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
