The United Arab Emirates continued to face challenges following this week’s unprecedented storm that brought the nation to a standstill.
Operations at Dubai airport, a major travel hub, remain disrupted after Tuesday’s storm flooded the runway, causing flight delays, cancellations, and diversions.
Emirates, the airport’s largest airline, announced that passenger check-ins in Dubai would begin at 9 am on Thursday, nine hours later than the original midnight start time.
Travelers are advised to proceed to the airport only if they have confirmed flight bookings due to congestion.
Flooded roads surrounding the airport hindered access to food for stranded travelers, while overcrowding prevented those with confirmed reservations from entering.
The storm, which hit Oman before reaching the UAE, caused extensive damage, resulting in one fatality in the UAE and 20 in Oman.
The UAE experienced its heaviest rains in 75 years, trapping residents in cars, offices, and homes.
Government workers and students were instructed to remain indoors until flooded roads were cleared.
Climate experts attribute the intensity of the storm to human-caused climate change, which increases the likelihood of extreme weather events.
Climate scientist Colleen Colja noted that climate change likely supercharged the storm by increasing moisture in the air.
Higher temperatures, humidity, and flooding are predicted in the Gulf region due to climate change, exacerbating drainage issues in nations like the UAE.
Despite reports, the government agency responsible for cloud seeding denied conducting any operations before the storm.
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered authorities to assess the damage and assist affected families, according to the state news agency.
