UAE Allocates $544 Million for Flood Repairs After Record-Breaking Deluge

In the wake of unprecedented and catastrophic rainfall that inundated the United Arab Emirates (UAE), causing 254.8 millimeters of precipitation within 24 hours, the Emirati government has announced a major financial commitment to address the extensive damage caused by this natural disaster. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum declared a $544 million fund to repair and restore the homes of Emirati families severely affected by the deluge.

The Prime Minister's announcement came after a cabinet meeting where ministers approved the significant financial allocation to help mitigate the impact of the severe flooding. Sheikh Mohammed noted that this crisis presented an opportunity to improve crisis management, acknowledging some deficiencies in the response to the heavy rainfall.

The rains, which have been described as the heaviest in the Gulf region in 75 years, caused widespread chaos and massive destruction across the UAE. Critical infrastructure was heavily damaged, including Dubai International Airport, where flight disruptions left many passengers stranded.

Images circulating online showed flooded homes and streets, submerged vehicles, and damaged infrastructure, highlighting the scale of the disaster. The neighboring country of Oman was also heavily impacted, with at least 20 fatalities reported due to the flooding.

While UAE authorities have not released an official death toll, reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP) suggest that at least four fatalities occurred within UAE's borders.

In response to the crisis, the Emirati government established ministerial committees to manage compensation for affected citizens and conduct comprehensive assessments of infrastructure damage.

The record-breaking rainfall, which exceeded the region's average annual precipitation, serves as a reminder of the UAE's vulnerability to extreme weather events, despite its generally arid climate and typically low rainfall.

As the UAE begins its recovery and reconstruction, the $544 million fund announced by the Prime Minister will provide essential relief and support to the affected communities, ensuring that the country recovers from this natural disaster and is better prepared for future challenges.