The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged $544 million for repairing homes affected by last week’s record rains that led to widespread flooding and significant disruptions across the nation. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum announced the allocation after a cabinet meeting, highlighting the valuable lessons learned from the recent severe weather.
“We learned great lessons in dealing with severe rains,” stated Sheikh Mohammed, as he revealed the approval of “two billion dirhams to deal with damage to the homes of citizens.” This financial commitment aims to address the extensive damage caused to Emirati families’ residences during the unprecedented rainfall.
The announcement comes following a week of intense rainfall that transformed streets into waterways and caused operational challenges at Dubai Airport, a crucial international travel hub. The downpour, described as the heaviest in the UAE’s 75-year weather records, resulted in the loss of lives, although official casualty figures have not been released.
In response to the crisis, a ministerial committee has been tasked with overseeing the compensation process and coordinating efforts with federal and local authorities. Another committee has been formed to assess infrastructure damage and propose solutions to prevent future disruptions.
Despite the challenges faced, Sheikh Mohammed expressed confidence in the country’s ability to learn from such experiences and adapt accordingly. The UAE, known for its resilience and rapid development, is focused on implementing measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events in the future.
While experts suggest a possible link between the severity of the rainfall and climate change, the UAE remains committed to enhancing its disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The recent events serve as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding communities and critical infrastructure against natural disasters.
Although significant progress has been made in restoring normalcy, challenges persist for individuals like Matthew Faddy, whose home was severely affected by flooding. The ongoing efforts aim to expedite recovery and ensure that affected areas are fully rehabilitated in the coming days.
Sources By Agencies
