ABU DHABI: A local newspaper said that one week ago, the UAE faced its heaviest rainfall in over seven decades. Today, as the clean-up continues, the nation’s resilience and community spirit shine through.
In an editorial on Tuesday, The National said the intensity of the weather that struck the Emirates and neighbouring Gulf countries will linger in people’s memories for years to come.
‘Flooding caused severe traffic disruption, schools shut their doors and many businesses told their staff to work from home,’ the daily added.
And yet, less than seven days later, the vast majority of the country’s roads have reopened, flights are arriving and departing as normal, employees are back at work and the school year has resumed. Last week’s wind and rain would have overwhelmed many countries, particularly those that unfortunately lack the resources to prepare or rebuild.
The UAE has shown what a focused and joined-up effort can achieve, and the swift recovery led by the authorities’ response was augmented by a s
trong personal response from people throughout the country.
There have been countless accounts of residents pulling together. Many were moved by the story of Ryan Cayamanda and Joshua Aldrin De Vera, two Filipino veterinary nurses in Dubai who worked for more than 72 hours through the storms to care for sick and injured animals.
Several UAE restaurants also stepped up, pledging to support people affected by the storm by giving them free meals. Some people took in others who could not reach their homes as they got cut out in the storm. But as the flood waters recede, there are longer-term challenges to confront.
There is a need for a full review of climate preparedness, which President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has called for. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, also issued a directive to developers and management companies to provide alternative housing, food and free cleaning services timely and importa
nt.
In an example of the government’s co-ordinated approach, the Dubai Land Department and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency will work with property developers to help get communities back on their feet.
The National noted that the 2024 floods serve as a stark reminder of climate change’s varied impacts, adding that the authorities will plan accordingly, but it is incumbent on individuals and private businesses to display common sense and adapt to these changing times.
“People will hopefully think twice before disregarding weather warnings in future, and companies that offer non-essential services would be advised to close when extreme weather poses a risk of death and injury. The communal spirit that we have seen in the UAE over the past seven days will be needed again in the future,’ the Abu Dhabi-based daily concluded.
Source: Emirates News Agency