Several Gulf states have concluded their assessments of the "Al-Matir" weather depression, an exceptional event in the region's climatic history, which has not been witnessed in nearly half a century. This weather phenomenon caused significant human and material losses over the past two days.

As the climatic conditions receded and the weather depression ended, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain announced the commencement of road clearances and evaluations of the damage to infrastructure, public and private facilities, providing necessary support to all affected individuals.

The National Committee for Emergency Management in Oman announced on Thursday the deactivation of the National Center for Emergency Management, sectors, and subcommittees in the provinces affected by the "Al-Matir" depression. It highlighted the ongoing efforts of rescue teams in searching for missing individuals after reporting 19 victims, mostly students.

Damage assessments carried out by committees in various provinces have revealed substantial effects on infrastructure and public and private facilities. The Municipality of the South Al Batinah Governorate is working tirelessly to reopen roads, alongside removing debris caused by rain, dirt, and fallen trees, to restore normalcy.

The rainy weather in Oman, accompanied by floods and thunderstorms, inflicted severe damage on public and private properties. Rainfall amounts varied, with the highest recorded in the state of Madha at 302 mm, followed by Yanqul with 243 mm, and then Lwa with 240 mm. Other significant recordings were in Shinas with 236 mm, and Ibra with 206 mm.

Saudi Study to Observe "Climate Change"

In this context, the Regional Center for Climate Change in Saudi Arabia has initiated a comprehensive climatic study of the weather depression that impacted the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, its causes, and the resulting extreme rainfall. The statement indicated that the study would also examine the role of climate change in collaboration with the affected countries.

The center, which is affiliated with the Saudi National Center for Meteorology, addresses the growing challenges of climate change faced by the Arabian Peninsula. It contributes to the development of climate information to provide national, regional, and global climate studies.

Hussein Al-Qahtani, the official spokesperson for the center, told "Asharq Al-Awsat" that the recent rains in several Saudi and Gulf cities were above average, necessitating further research on this phenomenon. He mentioned the center's observations of indicators suggesting distinct climate changes in the region.

A "More Severe" Climate in Upcoming Years

Al-Qahtani asserted that climate change indicators are evident in several Saudi cities such as Al-Namas, which experienced unusually high hail this year, and other cities like Taif, Buraidah, and Khamis Mushait which noted similar conditions last year. He highlighted Jazan's proximity to a tropical climate due to continuous rain throughout the year, marking an unprecedented condition in the region indicative of climate change's impact.

Additionally, all climate studies conducted by the national meteorology center indicate that Saudi Arabia will face more severe climatic phenomena in the years ahead.

Continuous Warnings of Floods

Scientists from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) published a report last year on future climate, providing a comprehensive analysis of climate change and its consequences on the Arabian Peninsula. The report suggests potential increases in temperature, drought severity and frequency impacting agriculture and food, and a rise in sudden floods like those experienced this week.

The causes of floods are also attributed to rising sea levels, which pose threats not only to coastal cities. Riyadh, among other cities, was affected by the recent floods, experiencing more than ten floods in the past 30 years.

The report anticipates a 33% increase in the maximum annual rainfall by the end of the century, under a scenario of rising greenhouse gas emissions. It also points out that infrastructures in various global regions, including the Arabian Peninsula, are ill-prepared for such extreme climatic conditions, leading to significant economic implications, including disrupted roads and services, and cancellations of flights among others.

Dr. Helke Beck, Assistant Professor at KAUST and co-author of the report, stated, "The Arabian Gulf region frequently experiences heavy rains over short durations, typically resulting in sudden flash floods flowing rapidly through valleys toward the sea or ocean." The rapid urban expansion fueled by population growth has altered natural water flow paths, sometimes impeding efficient floodwater passage and resulting in loss of life, infrastructure damage, property loss, and potential disease outbreaks due to sewage system overflows.

The UAE Directs Support

The Emirates announced the recession of the climatic conditions associated with "Al-Matir" depression and assessed the infrastructure damage. The President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, directed a review of the infrastructure condition in various areas and an inventory of damages caused by the record-breaking heavy rains, the highest since climate record-keeping began in 1949.

He also directed providing necessary support to all affected families and relocating them to safe locations in cooperation with local authorities.

The country had witnessed the closure of main roads due to waterlogging, along with widespread leaks in commercial and residential buildings. Concurrently, government agencies rushed to address these damages and are making efforts to prevent future occurrences.

In the same context, Dubai Airports announced the resumption of departure procedures for travelers from Terminal 3 for Emirates and flydubai flights.

The UAE's Ministry of Interior announced the end of the depression affecting various regions of the country, following the recession of rains and gradual improvement in weather conditions.

The UAE experienced the highest rainfall in its modern history over the past few days since climate data recording began in 1949, while the National Center for Meteorology confirmed that the record rainfall during Monday and Tuesday was an exceptional climatic event in the country's history.

Bahrain Immediate Action

In Bahrain, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad, instructed the Ministries of Municipal Affairs, Agriculture, and Works to assess the damages resulting from rainwater accumulation and compensate the affected, to evaluate areas that witnessed water accumulation, and to subject them to infrastructure development and drainage network programs, ensuring they meet the required standards and efficiency to respond to various conditions.

Yemen To Intensify Emergency Work

In the fight against the impacts of the weather depression, the Yemeni Prime Minister, Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, received a preliminary report from the local authority in Hadhramaut Governorate on the damages and impacts in all directorates of the governorate, where a citizen died. The damages included properties, agricultural lands, roads, electricity, and water.

Bin Mubarak called for intensified efforts by the emergency committee and rescue and emergency teams in the directorates and operation rooms, contributing to the preservation of lives and properties, emphasizing government support for local authority efforts in damage mitigation, rainwater drainage, restoration of services, and road repairs.

The Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Authority in Hadhramaut issued urgent warnings to residents near mountains and mountainous valleys in Mukalla city, due to the potential risk of rockslides on the pathways of floodwaters and rain.