The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen its heaviest rainfall in 75 years this week.
“The United Arab Emirates witnessed the heaviest rainfall on record in the past 24 hours, surpassing all recorded since data collection began in 1949,” the National Meteorological Center said, state news agency VAM reported.
As stated, the rainfall that fell in that country in the last 24 hours “is an exceptional event in the climatic history of the UAE”.
Meteorologists announce that more precipitation will be recorded in the coming hours.
Fly Dubai Airlines canceled some flights due to bad weather conditions, while many were delayed.
The UAE Football Association also announced the postponement of all local football matches scheduled for today, with new dates to be determined at a later date.
The UAE National Committee for Emergency Management urged residents to stay at home and follow safety guidelines and to leave their homes only in cases of extreme necessity.
In neighboring Oman, the state rescue agency said heavy rains and flash floods had killed 18 people, including nine students.
Omani authorities are involved in rescue operations and schools have been closed in six provinces, including Muscat, due to dangerous weather conditions.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for the north-east and north of Oman in the coming days.