Global warming, urbanization behind record-breaking floods in UAE, Oman: Study
The northern regions of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced an unprecedented downpour from April 14 to 15, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and public life. The incident claimed at least 20 lives in Oman and four in the UAE. A study by the World Weather Attribution team has now linked the record-breaking floods to global warming and urbanization.
Dubai experienced an unprecedented 14 cm of rain
The study revealed that human-induced climate change has increased rainfall during El Niño years by 10-40% in this region. Dubai experienced an unprecedented 14 cm of rain within a day, equivalent to one and a half years of average rainfall. It was the heaviest downpour since records began in 1949. This, coupled with inadequate natural drainage systems, swiftly transformed streets into waterways.
Rumors of cloud-seeding technology being responsible for the event refuted
In the aftermath of the heavy rains, rumors circulated that weather modification or cloud-seeding technology might have contributed to the event, as the UAE often employs such techniques to combat water scarcity. However, this theory was refuted by the study, which stated that "cloud seeding had no significant influence on the event." The UAE's National Center of Meteorology also denied any involvement in such activities on the day of heavy rainfall.
Human activities amplified the impact of the floods
The study confirmed that human activities amplified the impact of the floods. While limited historical rainfall data made it difficult to quantify exactly how much global warming contributed to the increase in rainfall, researchers concluded that burning fossil fuels likely triggered this record-breaking downpour. The Persian Gulf region, one of Earth's driest areas, is historically prone to heavy rain and flash flooding every few years, especially during El Niño phases.
Human modifications to landscape have heightened risks for people
The study pointed out that a warmer atmosphere is able to hold more moisture, with the current 1.2°C level of global warming above preindustrial levels allowing the atmosphere to hold about 8.4% more moisture. Human modifications to the landscape have also heightened the risks for people living in low-lying areas. A majority of residents in Oman and the UAE reside in flood-prone neighborhoods, and several drivers commute through high-risk areas, despite early warnings from meteorological agencies.
