RTA, Dubai Municipality intensify clean up operations after storm

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Municipality have intensified clean-up operations to restore normalcy in the emirate following severe weather conditions that saw the UAE receive a year’s rainfall in a day.

The storm, which also affected Oman and parts of Saudi Arabia as well as Bahrain, lushed the UAE on Tuesday.

RTA and Dubai Municipality have taken steps to minimise disruptions across the city, including draining waterlogged areas, conducting cleaning operations, rerouting traffic to ensure smooth flows, and restoring public transport, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Dubai’s transport regulator said its comprehensive plan ensured the restoration of operations on some parts of the city’s main streets and the full resumption of Dubai Metro services.

Mattar Al Tayer, the director general of RTA said that the authority’s comprehensive strategy prioritises the safety of road and public transport users, ensures sustainable service provision and seeks to quickly restore traffic on main streets.

“Over 2,500 response personnel, including engineers, technicians, workers, contractors, and suppliers, contributed to the response effort. More than 400 pumps, 300 tanks, and over 200 heavy equipment units, including trucks and bulldozers, were deployed,” said Al Tayer.

Similarly, Dubai Municipality is maintaining direct coordination with other government entities to ensure swift response systems while facilitating timely decision-making processes.

The authority mobilised more than 2,425 engineers and technicians to swiftly address emergencies resulting from the impact of rains, including water accumulation, clogged drains, and fallen trees.

Dawoud Al Hajri, director general of Dubai Municipality said the recent severe rains, historically peaking at over 220 mm in less than 24 hours, required more time to drain and channel the water through sewage and rainwater drainage networks.

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport is yet to resume normal operation after the storm flooded taxiways, forcing flight diversions, delays and cancellations.

The travel hub said it will limit arriving flights for 48 hours from noon local time (0800 GMT) on Friday in a bid to clear a backlog of flights.

Read: UAE weather: More rain expected across Emirates next week