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29 March 2024

Ashobaa: Rains clouds; UAE braces for flooding

Waterlogging in Fujairah, which authorities are attributing to Ashobaa. (Image tweeted by Fujairah Marina Club)

Published
By Bindu Rai

 

In a statement issued by Abu Dhabi Police, the authority stated specialised search and rescue teams have been dispatched to monitor wadis and flood-hit areas since Wednesday.

Brigadier Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Director General of Central Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, confirmed that the team, which was recently formed by the Emergency and Public Safety Department, has completed preparations to deal with any potential emergency that may arise, should Ashobaa turn into a potential severe cyclonic storm.

Elaborating on the details of the operation, Captain Mohammed Hassan Al Hosani, Head of the Sea-based Emergency team, said: “The team is at the ready and has been provided with modern safety and rescue equipment and specialised inflatable boats in order to carry out search and rescue operations in flood-hit areas and torrential waters, as well as advanced wireless communication devices, among others.

“The team consists of 31 highly-skilled Emirati officers who have undergone extensive specialised courses and have acquired international accreditations in this field.”

The Ministry of Interior called upon fishermen and surfers to avoid the sea until the storm settles, and to follow weather forecasts and all bulletins issued by the meteorological centres and competent authorities.

It also urged them to abide by the instructions and guidelines and to exercise caution in order to maintain their safety.

Ras Al Khaimah Police has provided its emergency numbers for its operating room to receive inquiries on: 07 235 6611 or 07 235 6600

Meanwhile, the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCMEA) has appealed to the public to observe the changes in weather and follow updates by official authorities in wake of the Tropical Storm.

The country’s Met office is warning the public Public to stay away from east coast beaches and wadis.

As per 4am UAE time, Tropical Storm Ashobaa was 170km away from Oman’s Southen Al Sharqiya coast, with maximum surface winds up to 82km per hour.

However, its convective band of rain clouds was only 60km away from Masirah Island.

According to the Oman Meteorology department, the storm will continue to move towards coastal areas between Ras Al Hadd to Masirah Island, associated with moderate to heavy rainfall and fresh strong gale winds over the governorate of Southern Al Sharqiya and gradually extending to Northern Al Sharqiya, Al Wusta, Muscat, Al Dhakilia and Southern Al Batinah during the next 48 hours.