UAE hit by heaviest rainfall in 75 years
STORY: The United Arab Emirates was hit by the heaviest rainfall in 75 years, according to the National Meteorology Center.
The desert city of Dubai witnessed record rainfall with more than a year and a half's worth of rain in just a few hours, according to media reports.
The UAE does not have the infrastructure to prepare for heavy rain, and flooding rarely occurs in its dry climate.
Although heavy rains had eased by late Tuesday, disruptions continued Wednesday (April 17).
The Dubai International Airport faced severe disruptions as flights were delayed or diverted.
Emirates airline suspended check-in for passengers departing Dubai until midnight.
The torrential downpour flooded streets, causing damage to homes and businesses.
Some residents used a rubber boat to navigate the inundated roads.
At least one person died, local media reported, as an elderly man’s vehicle was caught in flash floods in the country's north.
In neighboring Oman, local media reported 19 people died after three consecutive days of heavy rain.
Footage released by the Oman police showed officers airlifting people and taking them to safety.
The Times of Oman reported that more rain was expected on Wednesday.
