UAE authorities hold meeting over heavy rain forecast for weekend

Crisis authority, ministries and police co-ordinate response to latest bout of bad weather

Many residents lost appliances and cars in the floods that hit Fujairah in July. All photos: Aster

Homes across Fujairah and Sharjah were damaged due to floodwaters.

Mud left behind by floodwater has been a challenge for volunteers helping families in Fujairah with the clean up.

Aster Volunteers arrived from Dubai to help with the clean-up in Fujairah.

Many residents were without insurance so are facing huge repair bills.

Work from 15 young people from the Youth India Fujairah group, operated by Aster healthcare, helped families get back into their homes.

Floodwaters posed a potential health hazard to families hoping to move back home.

Aster Volunteers helped with the clean up to allow families like the Kumars move back in.

UAE authorities have come together to develop a nationwide action plan to deal with heavy rain and high winds forecast for the weekend.

The National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, better known as Ncema, took part in a meeting with the National Centre of Meteorology, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and police chiefs.

Talks centred on efforts to ensure authorities are ready to respond to the hazardous weather expected in the days ahead.

“All local and national teams are highly prepared to ensure an effective and proper response to any risks that may arise as a result of the condition,” Ncema said.

The National Centre of Meteorology said in its latest five-day forecast that downpours are expected across the country.

Abu Dhabi Media Office issue an alert on Friday calling for people to exercise caution during challenging weather conditions.

It said the emirate was expected to receive "mild to heavy rains" along with a significant drop in temperatures from Sunday until Thursday, August 18.

Motorists were urged to drive carefully and abide by safety guidelines and speed limits.

People were advised to avoid going to the beach during high tides and turbulent sea conditions.

High winds of up to 45 kilometres an hour are predicted until Tuesday, which could lead to dust and sand storms, the NCM said.

The NCM had told The National on Wednesday of the impending rainfall.

“There will be a chance of rain formation in some parts of the east and south on Saturday and Sunday,” a forecaster from the NCM said.

“There is a low-pressure system with humid air from the Sea of Oman and Arabian Sea coming towards our area,” he said. “We expect some moderate to heavy rain.”

The authorities remain on alert after deadly flash floods hit the eastern UAE last month.

Seven people died and more than 800 were rescued after torrential downpours caused flooding across the northern and eastern coasts.

The NCM said it was the wettest July in decades.