UAE braces for severe weather

From Europe to the Middle East, it has been a tepid summer. Iraq and Syria have been experiencing particularly extreme dust storms, schools have sometimes been closed, flights have been grounded, and entire regions have been enveloped in thick orange haze. Europe is dry. Some parts of the UK are experiencing drought. Water restrictions are likely to continue into the New Year. In southern France, drought has sparked a horrific forest fire that has led to the evacuation of about 4,000 people. China has experienced its worst flooding in decades, affecting 500 million people in the south.

The UAE also had a turbulent meteorological year. In July, severe flooding in the country’s northern emirate killed seven people. It was the worst flood in 30 years.

This week, the country once again faced extreme weather conditions. Abu Dhabi issued a safety warning about a sandstorm on Monday. Visibility on the road has dropped significantly for two days. The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) urged people to be “extremely vigilant” with a red alert for parts of the capital. Dubai issued an orange notice. Air travel has also been affected. Passengers flying this week are urged to pay close attention to the timetable. While operations have so far been largely unaffected, poor visibility could cause disruptions.

In addition to dust, heavy rainfall is also expected in the UAE. People should prepare for light to moderate precipitation in much of the country, the NCM said. It predicts large numbers in the eastern and northern regions and smaller regions in the west.

Fortunately, the latest forecasts are less severe than the previous ones, but vigilance is still required on an individual level. Testing conditions in recent months have meant authorities and a larger percentage of the public are familiar with managing the weather crisis. For example, the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Agency quickly opened temporary shelters, which have the potential to accommodate thousands of people during floods in the early summer. Roads and properties were quickly rebuilt, and police officers across the country, as well as many volunteers, were called in to help.

But planning can only do so much. Real security comes when people take responsibility for their actions under adverse conditions, learn how to protect themselves and listen to those who are trying to make the country safer. For example, in early August, Abu Dhabi Police issued a safety plea to the public after a driver was involved in a car accident while taking pictures of floodwaters in Al Ain. Rain and reduced visibility require more attention to the road, not less.

If the two combine, as is likely in the days to come, more caution is required, and in fact, it could get to the point where drivers should consider avoiding non-essential travel. Other sensible precautions include limiting outdoor time when dust is heavy, and taking special care of the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Can’t control the weather. But the government is likely to plan how to respond. More importantly, people can learn how to best protect themselves. Dark clouds will pass, but new clouds will come. The more people are responsible for themselves, the less fearful they are.

Posted: August 16, 2022 3:00 AM