UAE Allocates $544 Million for Flood Damage Repair
The United Arab Emirates announced a significant allocation of $544 million to repair the homes of Emirati families following the devastating floods caused by record rains. The floods resulted in the loss of four lives, including Filipino nationals, and brought the oil-rich Gulf state to a standstill.
Lessons Learned and Immediate Actions
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum emphasized the importance of the lessons learned from the severe rains. The Cabinet approved a budget of 2 billion dirhams to address the damages incurred by the citizens’ homes.
Government Response and Committees Formed
A ministerial committee has been tasked with overseeing the disbursement of compensation in collaboration with federal and local authorities. Additionally, another committee has been established to assess infrastructure damage and propose necessary solutions.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Consequences
The recent rainfall, the heaviest in the UAE’s history spanning 75 years, resulted in the tragic loss of three Filipino workers and one Emirati individual. The storm, which also affected Oman, was intensified by human-induced climate change according to experts.
Recovery Efforts and Future Preparedness
Despite the challenges faced, the UAE is focused on learning from this experience to enhance its crisis management capabilities. The government is committed to ensuring better preparedness for any future natural disasters.
Recovery Progress in Dubai
While Dubai faced significant disruptions, including flight cancellations and road closures, the city is now returning to normalcy with public transport services fully operational and major roads open for traffic.