VIDEO: Fujairah records highest rainfall in 27 years

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Emirate of Fujairah witnessed the highest amount of rain in the country in 27 years with a record 221.8 mm.

The UAE weather body said rain accompanied at times by lightning and thunder fell on most areas of the country on Wednesday, causing valleys to be flooded and water to accumulate in some areas. The highest rainfall volume in the country was recorded in 27 years during July in Fujairah Port at 221.8 mm.

Khorfakkan witnessed the highest rainfall volume since 1995 at 175.6 mm, while the ground stations of the National Centre of Meteorology recorded the five highest rainfall volumes; these being Fujairah Port at 221.8 mm, Fujairah Airport at 153 mm, Masafi at 122.8 mm, Khorfakkan Port at 98.5 mm and Dhadnah at 98.2 mm.

Large rainfall volumes were also recorded in Mirbah, Fujairah, at 81 mm, Kalba at 65.2 mm and Jebel Jais at 56.2 mm. In addition, heavy rain lashed Masafi, Sheikh Khalifa Street and Al Haniyah in Fujairah. The rain was accompanied by hail and lightning in Al Bithnah Road towards Masafi and with lightning and thunder in Fujairah International Airport, Suhaila in Sharjah and Al Manama in Ajman.

The summit of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah turned into a natural painting after it was covered with clouds to transform the tops of the mountains into stunning scenes supported by the flow of waterfalls.

The summit recorded a significant drop in temperatures that reached 17 degrees Celsius during the morning hours.

Medium rain also fell on Dubai in Al Khawaneej and Jebel Ali, and on separate areas in Sharjah. The rain was light to medium on Al Dhaid in Sharjah and Falaj Al Mualla in Umm Al Quwain, Al Rams, Besa, Shoka, Jebel Jais and separate areas of Ras Al Khaimah and Hatta in Dubai, and the Emirate of Ajman witnessed rainfall that ranged Between medium and light, accompanied by moderate winds in some areas, Al Helio, Al Hamidiya, Al Jarf and Al Tallah areas experienced moderate rainfall, while downtown neighbourhoods seeing light rain.

Cloudy Thursday
On Thursday, the country saw a state of atmospheric instability that continues as a result of the presence of two upper and shallow air depressions extending from northern India and southern Pakistan, working on the flow of different formations of clouds from the Sea of Oman towards the country. This was interspersed with cumulus rainy clouds accompanied by lightning and thunder sometimes over separate areas of the country.

Troops involved in rescue operations help in evacuation of residents from flooded areas.

The National Center of Meteorology expects Thursday’s weather to be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with a chance of convective rainy clouds forming over some eastern and western regions during the day, with a gradual rise in temperatures, and winds southeast to northeast, light to moderate in speed, and active to strong. Sometimes with the activity of clouds exciting dust and dust. It is also expected that Friday's weather will be partly cloudy in general, with the possibility of the formation of some convective clouds, which may be accompanied by rain in some areas during the day.

Military operations

The joint operations command announced implementation of the "Loyal Hands" operation in support of the civil authorities in the Emirate of Fujairah, which witnessed weather fluctuations that led to floods in various areas in the emirate on Wednesday evening. This was revealed by the Ministry of Defence on its account on twitter.

An aerial view shows most of Fujairah flooded after heavy rainfall.

The Ministry explained that the operation contributed to rescuing the stranded people in the flooded areas and rescuing those who were trapped inside their homes, as they were transferred to safe areas.

No injuries were reported, the Ministry confirmed.

UAE Air Wing transferred medical cadres from Fujairah to Kalba Hospital.

Don’t visit Eastern Region

The Sharjah Police confirmed the readiness of the security and rescue teams around the clock to deal with the exceptional weather situation, calling upon all members of society to abide by the security instructions so that they are safe.

The police also emphasised the need to comply with the instructions related to not going to the Eastern Region now, unless it's absolutely necessary. There has been considerable impact of the weather fluctuations on the region, leading to torrential rain, and flooded roads and valleys. So visitors should steer clear of the Eastern Region until the weather is normal.

In the meantime, the Police and Civil Defence teams are working effortlessly to ensure and protect individuals and properties. The Sharjah Police urged residents in the Eastern Region to deal with emergency weather conditions with utmost responsibility, exercise the utmost care and caution, and stay away from places of surface run-offs, torrents and rainwater pools.

This will stop the breakdown of vehicles not familiar with negotiating the roads in these areas under adverse weather conditions. They are also advised to report immediately any accidents, via the emergency number /999/.