NASA recently released before and after photos of parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates after the country was hit by record rainfall. These images, captured by NASA Earth Observatory using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey, showcase the drastic transformation that occurred due to the dangerous floods that paralyzed much of the country. The photographs reveal large patches of water covering the desert and urban landscapes of the UAE, where previously there was none. The floodwaters almost created the illusion of small lakes appearing in the region.
The flash floods that formed on April 16 caused chaos in the UAE, with water engulfing cars and fully submerging them in some areas. This led to hundreds of drivers abandoning their vehicles on roads to escape the rising water levels. The country, which is typically dry, was hit with approximately a year’s worth of rain in less than a day, a record-breaking event since rainfall records began in 1949.
The aftermath of the record rainfall in the UAE has been devastating, with schools, businesses, and homes affected by the floods. The National Center for Meteorology reported that some parts of the country received up to 250 millimeters (10 inches) of rain in less than 24 hours, far surpassing the average yearly rainfall of 5.5 to 8 inches. Due to a lack of drainage infrastructure and paved urban spaces, the floodwaters had nowhere to go, exacerbating the flooding in many areas.
The cleanup and recovery efforts in the UAE are ongoing, with many areas still experiencing challenges. Infrastructure has been severely damaged, leaving some residents without basic necessities such as running water and electricity. One multi-story apartment building near the border of Dubai and Sharjah has suffered structural damage from the storm, resulting in a dangerous tilt. The building was fully evacuated as it is at risk of collapsing.
In response to the devastating floods, the UAE’s central bank has issued a directive to local banks and insurance companies to allow loan repayment deferrals of six months. This financial assistance is aimed at helping flood-hit residents and businesses recover from the significant losses incurred during the record rainfall.
The recent record rainfall in the UAE has left a trail of destruction in its wake. The before and after images released by NASA showcase the extent of the flooding that paralyzed the country. As cleanup efforts continue and residents rebuild their lives, it is evident that the impact of these floods will be felt for a long time to come.