Dubai Civil Defence Rescues Hundreds as Heavy Rain Causes Chaos!

human inrest3 days ago

Dubai witnessed one of its heaviest rainfalls of the year this week, causing unexpected floods, traffic disruptions, and waterlogging in several areas. The city’s renowned Civil Defence teams were quick to respond, ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing damage to public and private property.

The Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) was on high alert after the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued warnings of unstable weather, including thunderstorms and heavy rain. Over 120 calls were received within a span of 24 hours, with reports ranging from stranded motorists to flooded basements and water-inundated homes.

Swift Rescue Operations Across the City

Civil Defence teams were deployed across multiple districts, including Al Quoz, Business Bay, Deira, and Jumeirah, where water levels on roads rose unexpectedly due to blocked drains and heavy downpours. Special water pumps and emergency equipment were used to drain flooded roads and restore traffic flow.

In one notable incident, a family of four was rescued from their SUV, which had stalled in deep water near the Dubai Mall area. Thanks to the quick response of Civil Defence divers and rescue vehicles, the family was safely evacuated without injuries.

Another team was dispatched to a residential building in Al Nahda, where the basement parking was submerged, threatening to damage dozens of parked vehicles. Pumps were installed overnight to remove the water, preventing further losses.

“We are working round the clock to ensure that all affected areas are safe. Our priority is the protection of lives and public property,” said Major General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director General of Dubai Civil Defence. “We urge all residents to follow safety guidelines and stay indoors during heavy rains unless absolutely necessary.”

Widespread Traffic Disruptions

Heavy rainfall led to major traffic jams along Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, and parts of Hessa Street, where cars moved slowly through waterlogged sections. Dubai Police, in coordination with Civil Defence, diverted traffic and guided vehicles away from flooded underpasses to prevent accidents.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) issued advisories requesting drivers to maintain safe distances, reduce speed, and avoid low-lying routes. Several bus services and delivery operations were delayed or temporarily suspended due to the weather.

Commuters reported delays of up to two hours in some parts of the city. “I was stuck on Sheikh Zayed Road for nearly 90 minutes because of the water,” said Ramesh Kumar, a Dubai resident. “But I saw Civil Defence teams clearing drains and helping broken-down cars. It made me feel safer knowing they were around.”

Precautionary Measures and Safety Tips Issued

The Dubai Civil Defence reminded citizens to take simple yet effective precautions to ensure their safety during such weather conditions:

Avoid driving or walking in flooded areas.
Stay indoors during thunderstorms and lightning activity.
Keep emergency kits, flashlights, and charged mobile phones ready.
Refrain from using elevators in buildings where basement flooding is suspected.
Listen to official updates via media and government apps.

The authority also warned against the spread of misinformation on social media and urged people to rely only on verified sources such as the NCM, DCD, and Dubai Police for updates.

Public Appreciation for Civil Defence Efforts

Many Dubai residents took to social media to praise the bravery and tireless efforts of the Civil Defence teams. Photos and videos of rescue operations circulated online, showing officers wading through waist-deep water to reach stranded vehicles and helping elderly residents move to safer places.

One video that went viral showed a Civil Defence officer carrying a child on his back to safety in a flooded street near Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). The video received thousands of likes and comments thanking the department for their service.

“We are proud of our Civil Defence heroes who risk their lives to keep us safe. This rain was unexpected, but they handled the situation with great professionalism,” wrote Fatima Al Marri, a local Instagram influencer.

Looking Ahead: More Rain Expected?

According to the National Center of Meteorology, unstable weather conditions may continue for the next two days, with chances of scattered rain and thunderstorms in some parts of the UAE. Residents are advised to monitor official weather bulletins regularly and avoid unnecessary outdoor travel.

Dubai Municipality teams, along with the RTA and Civil Defence, have launched citywide clean-up drives to clear clogged drainage systems, remove debris, and prevent further flooding risks.

Conclusion

The recent heavy rains tested Dubai’s emergency response systems, but the Dubai Civil Defence’s prompt action prevented major injuries and damage. Authorities are working tirelessly to keep the city safe and functional, while reminding residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.

As weather patterns continue to surprise the region, experts suggest that cities like Dubai must invest even further in stormwater management and public awareness to mitigate future disruptions.