Dubai's Historic Flooding: Homes Ruined, Airport Disrupted Due to Lack of Storm Drains
Dubai experienced heavy flooding due to insufficient storm drains during record downpours.
The flooding affected numerous homes, malls, offices, and roads, causing significant damage.
A British lawyer, Riaz Haq, shared his experience of the flooding, which rose to a meter (three feet) in his home overnight, submerging his cars and reaching waist-deep levels.
The airport, the world's busiest for international passengers, has also been impacted by staff shortages, leading to flight cancellations and delays.
Haq, his wife, and their dog were trapped in their two-story home for over two days during severe flooding.
They were unable to eat and survived on water.
Their possessions, including their fridge, freezer, and car, were destroyed.
The community, consisting of about 18 families, was too afraid to wade through the waist-high, smelly water due to the risk of electrocution.
Haq described the situation as a natural disaster with extensive damage.
In Dubai, persistent flooding has prevented water from draining away, causing major issues with recovery efforts.
Impassable roads have disrupted basic services such as restocking supermarkets and employees reaching their workplaces.
Dubai's airport, known for being the world's busiest for international passengers, has experienced staff shortages resulting in flight cancellations and delays that are expected to last into the weekend.