Overflow of UAE embankments will not pose any risk, say authorities

Still, hikers and picnickers have been warned to exercise caution near dam structures.

Several embankments have overflowed as dams across the country collected 7.4 million cubic metres of rainwater during heavy rainfall over the weekend, the Ministry of Environment and Water said.

The overflows did not present any safety risk, but the ministry has reiterated its call for hikers and picnickers to exercise caution during downpours and follow the safety guidelines posted on signboards near dam structures.

Salem Fareed Akram, head of the dams department at the ministry, told The National's Arabic-language sister paper, Al Ittihad, that 16 dams and embankments in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi collected 5.8 million cubic metres of rainwater, with some in other emirates filling to capacity.

Heavy showers have been reported in various parts of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, with rainfall continuing from last week in Fujairah, Kalba, Ras Al Khaimah, Masfout and parts of Ajman.