The Gulf region has been hit by heavy rain, causing flash flooding and chaos in several states. The world’s busiest international airport in Dubai was forced to divert flights due to the extreme weather conditions, with some flights leaving in the wake of waves on flooded runways. Authorities in Oman reported at least 18 people killed by the floods, including 10 students who tragically lost their lives when their vehicle was swept away by the water.
In neighboring countries like Bahrain, cars were seen stranded in flooded roads as the region experienced nearly a year’s worth of rain in just one day. The National Centre of Meteorology issued a weather warning for large parts of the UAE, including major cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
Experts attribute this unusual weather phenomenon to climate change, warning that such extreme storms are likely to become more common as the planet continues to warm up. With every 1C rise in temperature, the atmosphere can hold 7% more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall over shorter periods and smaller areas.
The Gulf region, known for its hot and dry weather, has seen an increase in instances of heavy rains causing flooding in recent years. The impact of climate change is becoming more evident, as authorities and residents struggle to cope with the aftermath of these devastating floods.
