Agony continues as relentless rain floods the roads

Dubai/Sharjah: Motorists had another agonising day on the roads as heavy rains flooded most of the busy streets while some areas became small ponds trapping drivers who drove through.

Most arterial roads were clogged with vehicles, which moved bumper to bumper.

"I got stranded on Al Seef Road and water started seeping into my car. I saw some people in four-wheel drives offering lifts to those stuck," said Hanif Mohammad.

Things were even worse on Al Fahidi Street which was flooded until Al Shababna Roundabout. Prakash Guha a resident of Al Fahidi Street, said it took him two-and-a-half hours to reach his office on Shaikh Zayed Road.

Motorists coming from Sharjah were caught off-guard by flooding in the area just before Al Garhoud Bridge.

"It was miserable. The second and third lanes were submerged in water," said Anita K. Zacheria, a Sharjah resident.

Samar Abdul Al Rahman, a customer service agent, said he had a horrible time from King Faisal Street to the Al Garhoud area.

"The Municipality should be better equipped to handle such situations," he said.

Another motorist, Asma Suleiman, a sales executive, said the Municipality should have started pumping out the water during the night.

"The situation would not have been so bad," she said.

In many areas of Sharjah traffic came to a standstill as police tried desperately to clear the gridlock. The hardest hit was Al Khan, which was knee-high in water, the Clock Tower Roundabout on Al Zahra Road, King Faisal Street and King Abdul Aziz road, motorists said.

Many people living in the Crystal Plaza building on the Buheira Corniche had to evacuate their apartments as water had seeped through the ceiling.

Ajman was also hit hard with most major roads such as Al Nuaimi, Al Bustan, Al Karama and the Industrial Area becoming slippery, muddy lakes.

"Municipal staff are working hard to clear the water off the streets," said Colonel Ali Abdullah Alwan, Chief of Ajman Police.

No major traffic accidents were reported from Ajman.

"We advise people to drive carefully during the rain,"said the Ajman police chief.

Traffic was very slow from Ajman and Sharjah yesterday as people tried to get to work. At the National Paints Roundabout on Emirates Road traffic came to a standstill.

Construction work at many sites came to a halt because of the windy weather.

What do you like most about rain? Does it bring back a special memory? Has the rain flooding given you a forced holiday from work?

It's the best day of the year with plenty of rains and quality weather but it's a shame because I can't enjoy it fully because of highways and pocket roads which are totally jammed in Dubai and Sharjah because of the rain water. A proper sewerage system and rainfall related problems need to be fixed in the emirate.
Altaff
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:58

Soon UAE will need this traffic sign "When Flooded Turn Around Don't Drown"
Nasir
Umm Al Quwain,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:55

It took me 4.5hrs from the Ajman/Sharjah border to Al Taawan. Sharjah and Ajman need to attend to their infrastructure before allowing any more building to take place. It is beyond coping.
Sara
Ajman,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:54

No one will believe that we traveled 1.5km in 2 hours in Al Quoz industrial area.
Mir
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:53

Getting a public bus or taxi on the way to work is very difficult during these rainy days. But travelling back home is worse than ever, it normally takes 2 hours.
Andrea
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:52

Despite the general havoc, I am just loving it. Good to have it this way at least once a year. Nostalgic all the way.
Leno
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:51

I got out at 6:30am from Sharjah/Abu Shagara and arrived 9:45am.
Ali
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:50

It took me all of 5 minutes today!! There was a bit of a delay at one of the traffic signals though.
MM
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:48

I really enjoy this weather, because this type of weather occurs rarely in UAE, and therefore it must be enjoyed. I started from my home at 6:30am and reached the office at 11 am. It was really an adventurous drive. I wish it was a holiday today, so that this wonderful weather could be enjoyed from our home. These days are really thrilling (except for the traffic chaos).
Simya
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:45

Beautiful day...horrible traffic My Journey Today: Qusais to Emaar Business Park Start Time: 08:15 am Reached at: 11am. Journey Time: 2hr 45 min (10 min Break). Route: Airport Tunnel, Naad Al Hammar Rd, Ras Al Khor, Al Khail Rd, through Springs
Syed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:44

I am really happy about rain. I really felt home sickness this moment. It may be traffic around all emirates, it may be difficult for motorists, but it's a warm feeling for the heart.
Muneer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:40

It took me 20 mins to get to work yesterday but today it took me over 4 hours. The road that normally takes me one and a half hours gave me real problems today. Took me half an hour to calm down once I reached work after the "terrible" experience!
Fatema
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:35

We travel from Rolla to Al Khan every day in company vehicle which is 30-45 min. But today it took us 3 hrs and 15 min to reach office. The traffic was crazy and initially it was boring but we turned it into a picnic. A couple of people got down and went ahead to get idli, wada sambhar and some refreshments and joined the vehicle later as it was stuck in traffic. We enjoyed in the vehicle clicking snaps of each other having snacks and also of the rain and its aftemath. Overall it was FUN...
Sarfraz
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:34

I'm working in Bur Dubai Near Rashid Hospital, and it took me from my home at International City 40 minutes today. Usually it takes 20 minutes.
Amjad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:33

I am enjoying. It's amazing, first time I have used an umbrella in Dubai.
Pradeep
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:30

I started for my office at 8am and reached it at 10am. It took two hours from Deira taxi stand to Hor al Anz. Usually it takes 15 mins. Like Bombay.
Teddy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:24

It took nearly four hours to reach my work place in Jebel Ali. I am used to this weather becuase my mother's place is a hill station in Sth India where the place is cold and wet most of the time. The weather has not affected me. I am thoroughly enjoying it.
Rebecca
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:23

The best remedy for all this traffic chaos in the whole UAE is to have drainage in all roads to make way for the water to go down. Since UAE roads were not designed for this kind of weather condition, it's time for the UAE government to give such kind of attention so not to experience floodings.
Delia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:23

Despite the rains the roads are not flooded in Abu Dhabi. In fact I am enjoying this weather a lot since it's only these 2-3 months that we get to enjoy the winter here. And it rains for barely a couple of weeks. In another month we'll be back to our good ol' summer. So why not enjoy the winter while its here!
Samreen
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:21

It took 1.30 hours to reach Dnata signal, Deira from Al Qusais this morning (between 7.30 to 9 am)
Ananda
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:21

My normal time is 15 to 20 min, today i spend 1:30 hours to come office. the weather is good, the roads are the problem, the country is not prepared to this condition... i think the students wish became true :)
Aishah
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:18

I took 4 hours and 20 mins to reach my office in Sh Zayed Rd from Sharjah. The conditions on the road are really bad. Some of the water ponds are so deep that a few cars had stopped on them. There's no proper provision for rainy water to go and it stays on the road causing huge traffic jams.
Mask
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:04

I stay in Nahda. Cars parked along the roads were partially submerged. The roads around safeer mall were completely under water. Drainage is a major issue.
Guru
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:03

Weather is extremely enjoyable no doubt about that. But too much traffic congestion almost every road you take in Sharjah that it took me one hour and 30 minutes to reach my working place which usually takes 20 minutes. Cars were submerged in water making the traffic at its worst. Number of stopped vehicles are parked on the roadside and it seems as if we are driving cars in river. Even in some areas the roads are damaged too because of heavy rainfall.
Mahwish
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:02

It took 1 hour for me to reach from jebel ali to karama in the morning. i am enjoying the weather and since i hail from india, i should be the last person to complain about the traffic
Sundar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:01

I started by 7.30am from caterpillar roundabout - Sharjah and reached office in DIC by 10am
Nithyaraja
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 11:00

It took me four hours to drive from Abu Shagara to Bur Dubai.
Ramesh
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:59

I come to work to Dubai from Ajman everyday and today i spent four hours in traffic jam! I sure don't enjoy it but what can we do? We are supposed to be in the middle of the desert so drainage on the streets aren't important, right?!?!!!
Michelle
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:59

Today morning due to heavy rain and expectation from weather forecast, I left early from Al Nahda, Sharjah rather then my usual timings and reached office at Deira city centre in an hour.
Behzad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:53

It's nice to see rain in the UAE. I'm really enjoying this season, because with rain there is not much cold it's really pleasant climate outside. Govt should announce holidays to enjoy this nice weather
Waseem
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:52

I didn't go to the office because no taxi available. I waited for almost three hours..
Alfred
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:51

I have got no problem to my office in Knowledge Village from Jaffiliya. I came with 60-70km speed.
Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:49

It took me two hours from Muraqqabad Rd to reach DAFZA. Traffic signal were not operating and police arrived late.
Anita
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:46

I am enjoying every moment of this season and I hope it just continues.
A.S
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:45

What a lovely weather. Once a year it happens like this and should be enjoyed. What is happening on the roads is the lack of driving skills of the motorist in these conditions. I traveled all the way from Abu Dhabi to Dubai this morning at 0530am in the rain. It was fantastic and romantic. The roads all excellent without any pots. Then I traveled from Dubai to Dhaid to see what's there, amazingly beautiful weather and what a rain. I love it. Yes there are some water ponds but not that deep to sink a car. Anyway go out and enjoy.
Suhail
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:45

I was in Ghubaiba bus station at 6.05am standing in the queue for No 12 Bus to go to Al Quoz for my work. While I was covering my head with a plastic cover, I could see most of the passengers getting wet because of unavailability of adequate shelter. We were left with no other option other than standing in the queue, waiting patiently for the bus for nearly half an hour.
Sam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:42

The weather - by itself - is awesome and it is good to see rains again. Unfortunately the GCC in general is not properly equipped to handle rain. My car is in service so my friend is supposed to come pick me up and go to work, but after being stuck for two hours he went back to Ajman. I am currently working from home. Looking down on Taawun Rd and Ettihad Rd all I could see is absolute chaos and heavy traffic. I guess tomorrow I won't be going to work either, but I have lots of paperwork!
Kinan
SHJ,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:41

After the unexpected holiday, today I started from Sharjah at 5.30am (before fajr prayer) and reached the office which is located near Defence R/A., at 9am. Highways and pocket roads were totally jammed in Sharjah because of the rainwater. a proper sewerage system needs to be fixed in the emirate.
Abdul
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:39

Hi, I am enjoying the weather and it's fun. this is something different which you do not often see.
Christopher
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:37

I moved 3km in 1:30 hours. Resigned to fate, I returned back home due to traffic and decided to work from home. Good that I have that option. Sympathies to others who do not have that option
Roji
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:36

The rain was too horrible. I felt like I was driving a motorboat and not a car.
Kavitha
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:36

Wet morning with slow traffic. Aah! it took us only three hours from Mamzar to Jebel Ali. No regrets. We need more rains in UAE.
R B
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:33

Took me three hours to get into work this morning. However the weather definitely is a respite considering UAE's otherwise warm - hot conditions.
Harshita
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:33

It's really nice to get this sort of rain for a few days in the UAE. It does cause chaoes in traffic when it floods. However, the weather is pleasant and we should be able to face the situation for a couple of days.
Pradip
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:24

I guess today is the worst thing that could have happened. The government should do something for the traffic and floods. All of us suffered today especially those kids who woke early to go to schools and couldnt make it because of heavy rains traffic and floods.
Tonette
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:21

I enjoyed my holiday on monday and i'm still enjoying this rainy days. It's ok if i got late to my work these are the only days what we can enjoy.
Sunil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:17

Yes it took me two hours to come out of Karama, but once on Al Ain Rd it was smooth. I have a few sugestions: 1. Police should be able to guide the people to take alternate routes through radio broadcasts. 2.There are inlet gullies in kerbstone in all roads of Dubai. It gets choked. DM should clean it periodically. 3. I would advise all drivers,where there is a will there is a way ... so have patience 4.One very important fact everyone would have realised after the driving ordeal in the past 2-3 days is the road marking, it should be made brighter prior to rainy season.
Nataraj
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 15, 2008, 10:13