Dubai: UAE residents tell of panicked preparations as the American east coast braces itself for Hurricane Sandy to hit.
American University of Sharjah exchange student Keith Nader Sakhoury, 21, told Gulf News his family and friends are readying for the storm.
“My family and friends, including my cousins and sister, are currently residing in New York which is considered to be one of Hurricane Sandy’s hot spots.
“The Hurricane is expected to be the biggest one that ever hit New York so I am extremely worried for my friends and family.
“They have told me that the city is pretty hectic as all forms of transportation including the metro have been shut down. Even the financial market is also shut down which just shows the extent of how bad the hurricane is expected to be.”
He added: “My family is going to stay in New York as it seems to be the best alternative since all flights are cancelled and driving to other states can be dangerous.
“They are preparing for the hurricane to hit by boarding up the house especially the windows and stocking up on water and food. They also parked their cars away from trees to avoid any car damage that might result from the wind.”
Meanwhile Naveena Sadasivam, 22, a graduate student at New York University who used to live in Dubai, is also affected by Hurricane Sandy and said she is going to stay home to avoid the hurricane.
“My classes have been cancelled and I’ve stocked up on water and basic food supplies. I’m just going to stay at home and get all my work done for the coming week,” said Naveena.
