Several international flights have been cancelled due to heavy Weather rains and thunderstorms in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.
This happened two weeks after unprecedented storms hit Dubai paralyzing the emirate for days.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) elevated the readiness and preparedness levels of the national system to deal with the situation on Wednesday.
Although the rains are expected to be less severe than the ones last month, the public is still urged to take precautions. Dubai-based Emirates airline has cancelled several flights on Thursday due to bad weather across the UAE.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) was affected, resulting in flight movements being reduced. Emirates has waived rebooking charges to help stranded passengers.
The Ministry of Interior recommended activating remote learning on Thursday and Friday for all educational institutions, except for vital jobs that require presence at the workplace and those involved in response and recovery efforts.
All roads leading to areas prone to flash floods, water accumulations, and dams were closed during the weather conditions. The public was advised to stay away from these areas and adhere to safety standards and guidelines, avoid mountainous, desert, and coastal areas.
The weather conditions include moderate to heavy rain in scattered areas, accompanied by occasional lightning and thunder, and a possibility of small hail concentrated in the western regions, on the coasts, and in some eastern areas.
Some flights were disrupted on Wednesday due to the inclement weather conditions. Etihad Airways had to divert a flight from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Al-Ain due to adverse weather conditions in Abu Dhabi.
The Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) announced the temporary suspension of accepting requests for the entry and departure of wooden dhows in Dubai.
The PCFC has also advised sailors to avoid sailing during this time to ensure everyone’s safety.
Dubai Metro announced the extension of operating hours ahead of expected weather conditions, extending from 12 am to 5 am (the next day).
However, the number of stops for these trains was reduced. The authorities have been advised not to sail and avoid valley areas, torrential rains, and low-lying places.
They have also been asked to exercise caution while driving vehicles and adhere to the instructions of the competent authorities.
