After a long spell of intense summer, UAE residents are bracing for wet and unstable weather during the weekend.
UAE - The national emergency response team has put together a plan for evacuation and aid distribution if unstable weather wreaks havoc and affects normal life in the country, Khaleej Times has learnt.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) is liaising with all concerned authorities, including police and municipalities, to manage the situation, the authority said.
"We have had meetings with all parties involved. Police and municipality officials from all seven emirates are coordinating response, and their control rooms are well-prepared. We are closely monitoring the situation in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah where heavy rain and storm could be more damaging," said Nasser Al Yamahi, Director of Media and Information at NCEMA.
"If the situation goes beyond control, we have an emergency response plan for evacuation of residents from affected areas, and providing shelter and aid," said Al Yamahi.
The Abu Dhabi municipality has said residents can contact the control centre at 993 for all emergencies. They can also email the municipality at 993@adm.abudhabi.ae to report water-logging, collapsed walls, uprooted trees and debris on the road. People can also reach municipality on what's app number 0569939930. 75 water tanks, 26 pumps and 15 six-wheel drive vehicles have also been kept ready for emergency response operations in Abu Dhabi.
Stormy weather
After a long spell of intense summer, UAE residents are bracing for wet and unstable weather during the weekend.
The National Centre of Meteorology has forecasted rain and thunderstorms over the weekend, until Monday.
"The country will come under the effect of extension of low pressure at the upper and surface level. We will experience unstable weather over the North and Eastern part of the UAE, starting Friday, a forecaster told Khaleej Times.
"Convective clouds will develop over these areas associated with rain and thunderstorm. Visibility will be poor associated with fresh and strong winds in the open areas, especially in the interior parts of the country. Dusty conditions will also prevail."
According to the forecast, temperature will drop by three to four degrees and hover around 22 to 23 degrees, on Sunday and Monday.
"There is nothing unusual about the weather. We do witness similar unstable weather every year during this time of the year," said the forecaster.
Three cheers to rain
Residents are all smiles as they brace for rain and storm. Zoi, a Filipino expat, said she is looking forward to the rains. "It always feel special when it rains in the UAE. It is a blessing, I feel."
"Rains are nostalgic for and always welcome," said Sreekrishna Prasad, an Indian expat. "It reminds me of home. For me, rain means good news. If it rains during the weekend, I am planning to sit and enjoy it from my balcony," said Prasad.
Exercise caution
While it is time to take out the umbrellas and raincoats, residents have been asked to exercise caution during the unstable weather.
The Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police has called on drivers to take precaution because of the expected weather fluctuations.
Drivers have been urged to check their brakes and wipers ahead of the rain.
Brigadier Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaili, Director of Traffic and Patrols Department of Abu Dhabi Police, stressed the need to adhere to safe driving in rainy weather conditions and to follow safety rules and procedures. Drivers are advised to reduce speeds and leave sufficiently safe distance between vehicles.
In the event of minor accidents or breakdowns, police has urged motorists to park their vehicles in a safe spot and not to block traffic flow.
Al Khaili has warned the youth not to indulge in dangerous stunts on the road that will endanger their's as well as other people's lives. Reckless drivers will be strictly dealt with and their vehicles seized, warned the Brigadier.
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