The historic rainfall that started on Sunday continues to cause havoc in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. At least 18 people, including 10 children, have been reported killed in the resulting floods.
Described by the UAE’s state-owned WAM News as “a historic weather event” that has exceeded “anything documented since the start of data collection,” the region experienced as much as 8 inches of rain over a two-day period.
Authorities were reported to have had to deploy tanker trucks to pump out roads and highways because many of them lack proper drainage infrastructure due to the infrequency of precipitation in the area.
The deluge has forced the governments to close roads, public transportation, schools, and retail establishments.
Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest international hub, halted arrivals on Tuesday night.
Some media reports have suggested that cloud-seeding efforts may have caused the storm, an allegation that was denied by the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology.
