Page 201 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT APRIL 2024

Dawoud Al Hajri, director-general of the civic body, said teams have been operating
“non-stop”. Record-breaking rains resulted in water accumulation, drainage blockages,
and increased waste.

The authority mobilised over 2,425 engineers, technicians, and workers. “Operating
around the clock and covering all regions, these teams are equipped to swiftly address
emergencies resulting from impact of rains, including water accumulation, clogged
drains, and fallen trees.”

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the rains that pounded the
Emirates this week were the heaviest in 75 years. Referring to the record-breaking
weather event as “exceptional” and “historic”, the NCM said one station in Al Ain
recorded 254mm of rainfall. At least four stations recorded in excess of 200mm of
rainfall. In contrast, the UAE records average rainfall of 100mm per year.

Authorities in Dubai have revealed the sheer scale of efforts to restore normalcy. Teams
from various government entities in the emirate continue to work around the clock to
ensure the full restoration of services and smooth traffic flow on roads.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) deployed over 2,500 response personnel,
including engineers, technicians, workers, contractors, and suppliers. It mobilised 400
pumps, 300 tanks, and over 200 trucks and bulldozers.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general of the RTA, said the teams initially focussed on
restoring the Dubai Metro services. “The metro, being the backbone of resident
movement in the emirate, saw stations reopening gradually, with all stations operational
by the second day of the weather event. Efforts also included addressing rainwater
accumulations on various streets, particularly focusing on major arteries such as Sheikh
Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road, and Airport Road. Water was removed
from various streets in a record time, allowing traffic to return to normal.”

Dawoud Al Hajri from the Dubai Municipality among the officials the authority deployed

were 161 rescuers. These field emergency teams were equipped with “141 water
pumps, 130 tanks, and 85 machines and light vehicles”.

The Dubai airport needed 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to get water off its grounds,
according to a report on AP.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubai-gets-years-worth-of-rains-in-a-day-authorities-working-
non-stop-to-drain-flooded-areas