18 Killed in Oman Over Heavy Rains and Flash Floods Lash UAE

Dubai – The UAE Meteorological Center said rare rainfall occurred in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday (April 16).

This marked a record high rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours until 9 p.m., also being the largest rainfall in 75 years this week, as reported by WAM news agency on Wednesday.

"The UAE witnessed the largest recorded rainfall in the past 24 hours, exceeding the recorded rainfall since data collection began in 1949," said the report from the country's weather service agency.

Since Monday night, rain started to soak the sand and streets of Dubai with about 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rainfall.

However, by Tuesday, the storm worsened, causing heavier rain and even hailstorms hitting the city.

More than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rain have fallen in Dubai within 24 hours. This far surpasses the annual average, which is usually around 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) at Dubai International Airport.

The report stated that the significant rainfall event was extraordinary in the climate history of the UAE since climate data recording began.

The UAE National Meteorological Center forecasted larger rainfall in the coming hours.

Fly Dubai airline has canceled several flights due to poor weather conditions, and airport taxiways were flooded, hindering landing aircraft. The airport eventually had to halt incoming flights on Tuesday night, while many other flights were delayed.

The UAE Football Federation also announced the postponement of all scheduled local football matches for today, and new dates will be determined later.

18 Killed in Oman

The UAE Emergency Management National Committee urged residents to stay at home and follow safety guidelines, leaving only in urgent situations.

In the neighboring country of UAE, Oman, the country's rescue agency said heavy rain and flash floods have killed 18 people, including nine schoolchildren.

Omani authorities are involved in rescue efforts, with schools closed in six provinces, including Muscat Province, due to dangerous weather conditions.

Moderate to heavy rain is expected in the northeastern and northern regions of Oman in the coming days.