Abu Dhabi: Heavy rains and strong winds will continue to lash the UAE over the weekend, the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) announced during a press conference held yesterday in the capital. The unstable weather conditions will continue until Saturday.
“The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority has sent 64 equipment and tools to several emirates across the UAE to deal with possible emergencies due to heavy rains and strong winds,” Dr Jamal Al Hosani, official spokesman at the Authority, said.
“No deaths have been reported and the damage to property has been low-scale. Fishermen and ships are safe,” he added.
Several teams have been formed to deal with possible emergencies during the coming days. A few instances of people being caught in the extreme weather conditions have come to light. An Asian man was severely injured in Al Ruwais area and was safely transferred to Al Ruwais Hospital to receive the necessary treatment. Three men were rescued by the Abu Dhabi Police Air Wing in Ras Al Khaimah after being swept away in a wadi flood. They have been transferred to hospital for treatment.
Abu Dhabi Police has received several calls and complaints from people residing in Delma Island, Al Selaa and Al Ghuwaifat. “People have reported minor damages to their houses, some uprooting of trees and collapsing of signboards,” said Colonel Juma Salim Al Dahmani, assistant director general of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Department, during a press conference.
Police, emergency services and municipality teams are working around the clock to restore normalcy in the affected areas. Authorities are reminding the public to be extra careful, with more rains and storms expected all across the UAE within the coming days.
“The maximum wind speed recorded is approximately 100 km/hr. Weather conditions can improve or change suddenly at any time of the day,” Mohammad Abdullah Al Abri from the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, said.
Authorities urged the public to be cautious in this weather, particularly on the roads and inform the police and the Civil Defence of any hazard or damage caused by unstable weather conditions.
“People all across the UAE are advised to stay away from the water-run offs in valleys and not to venture out to sea. While driving, motorists should keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, avoid overtaking and use always light indicators,” Al Dahmani advised.