Decision to keep schools closed was prudent

Readers applaud Adec's decision to keep schools closed on Thursday. Other topics: India, driving, Donald Trump

Readers praise the decision by Adec to keep schools closed yesterday. Brian Kerrigan / The National

It took three hours for me yesterday to pick up my children from school and come home as roads were flooded and traffic came to a standstill in many places (Schools across the UAE to close on Thursday due to rain, March 10). I am so glad schools are closed today.

I have lived in Dubai for eight years and have never felt so anxious being on our roads.

Taghred Chandab, Dubai

In all my years in this country, I haven't experienced something like this before (Huge storm sweeps through the UAE, March 10).

It was terrifying with all the broken glass and uprooted trees and lampposts. I was surprised that the authorities did not issue any early warnings.

Samia Iftekhar, Abu Dhabi

The weather is likely to remain unstable over the coming few days, which is why is it not wise to resume school on Thursday. Schools should be closed until next week.

Also, it would be great if offices are closed too or the working hours are reduced during the rains. This would mean less traffic on the roads and less chances of people getting caught up in difficult situations.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

The main issue is that the infrastructure was not designed to effectively handle such a volume of rain. For example there is little, if any, guttering system and flat roofs are not very good at channelling the water off.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

I wonder how hotel windows can be blown away by a storm. It raises questions about the quality of construction.

Marina Bhandari, Abu Dhabi

Which direction is India heading?

The report that a 15-year-old girl was raped and set on fire in Delhi gave me the shivers (15-year-old raped and set on fire outside New Delhi, March 17).

I am an Indian who has been out of her country for many years. My daughter was born in the UAE and in a couple of years my daughter will go to university. Despite India having many good higher education institutions, neither me nor my husband have the courage to think of admitting our daughter to an Indian university.

With each passing day the situation there is becoming worse. There is an utter lack of respect for women in that country. Incidents like these are unimaginable in a so-called modern society.

Name withheld by request

Will education help drivers?

I am extremely sorry for what happened (The dark side of Dubai's fast car obsession, March 9). However, I don't really think education will help, because there will always be thrill seekers.

Patricia Cooksey, Abu Dhabi

The four people made a very bad choice. Think of the company that rented them the car. It may not get any payout from their insurance company because the driver was drunk.

We should be aware that even in death this person caused problems to the living. I’m sorry, but no one forced them to drink and get into that car. Thankfully, they did not kill others.

The only sympathy I feel is for the people who they left behind with emotional and financial burdens.

Mohannad Alchalabi, Dubai

Alcohol and driving do not mix, even if one is a great driver.

Heather Robinson, Dubai

No one will take Trump seriously

I refer to James Zogby's opinion article Why Trump is the thorn in the establishment's side (March 6). Donald Trump has brought out the thoughts in the hearts of many people, who were too afraid to speak out and show their true feelings.

Hatred, racism, bigotry – these are the feelings of the majorities that keep Mr Trump in the front.

Daisy Tito, Dubai