Sst holiday homework
Made by- Piyush Rao
Class & section – IXC
Roll No - 12
Index
Why did Dubai, a desert city, got flooded in April?
general Reasons for floods
Why it is different situation in Dubai
Causes of flood in dubai
What the government needs to plan for a future flood
Why did Dubai, a desert city, got
flooded in April?
On the 4th of April 2024, Dubai experienced one of its
worst flooding incidents in living (recent) memory. The
entire city was left under water after record rainfall, the
result of severe thunderstorms. For some areas, such as
Dubai Marina and JBR water levels ascended to as much
as 30 cm, which caused an unprecedented disruption to
daily life for many residents and impressive material
damages. This caused significant damage to automobiles
As many as 50,000 cars were flooded and resulted in an
estimated $250 million in insurance claims pertaining to
vehicle damage only. Images: $850m insured loss from
UAE, Bahrain, & Oman storms The unusual weather event
paralyzed the city, flooded roads, shut schools and
diverted flights from Dubai International Airport, the
world's busiest airport.
general Reasons for floods
1. Heavy Rainfall: Intense rain can overwhelm drainage
systems, causing water to accumulate on land that is
usually dry .
2. Ocean Waves and Storm Surges: Coastal areas can
experience flooding when powerful waves or storm
surges push seawater onto land.
3. Melting Snow and Ice: Rapid snowmelt or ice thaw
can lead to increased river levels and flooding.
4. Dams or Levees Breaking: Failures in dams or levees
can release large volumes of water, inundating nearby
areas.
5. Geography: Proximity to rivers, urban areas, and steep
hills can make certain regions more susceptible to flood.
Why it is different situation in Dubai
Dubai’s recent extreme weather event deviated significantly
from its typical desert climate. The city usually experiences
minimal rainfall, but during this anomaly, over 25 cm (10
inches) of rain fell in just one day—approximately twice the
UAE’s yearly average. The sudden deluge overwhelmed the
city’s drainage systems, leading to widespread flooding. Roads
near famous landmarks were submerged, and even indoor
attractions struggled to handle the influx of water. Residents
described it as “living through the apocalypse,” with gale-force
winds flinging furniture from balconies. Dubai’s rulers are now
assessing the damage and working to restore the city’s
infrastructure.
Causes of flood in dubai
Unusually Heavy Rainfall: Dubai typically experiences very low annual rainfall, but
occasionally, intense weather systems or tropical cyclones in the region can bring unusually
heavy rain. This can overwhelm drainage systems designed for much lighter rainfall.
Infrastructure Design: Infrastructure in arid regions like Dubai is often optimized for
managing minimal rainfall, focusing on rapid water drainage rather than retention. When heavy
rains occur, the drainage systems can struggle to cope, leading to localized flooding.
Urbanization and Impervious Surfaces: As Dubai has developed rapidly, there has been
significant urbanization and expansion of impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and
pavements. These surfaces prevent rainwater from infiltrating into the ground, increasing
surface runoff and the likelihood of flooding.
Lack of Natural Water Features: Natural water bodies like rivers or lakes help absorb excess
water during heavy rainfall. Dubai, being situated in a desert environment, lacks such natural
features, exacerbating the runoff problem.
Climate Change: While not always directly attributable to a single event, climate change can
influence weather patterns globally, potentially contributing to more intense and unpredictable
rainfall events in regions not accustomed to such weather.
What the government needs to plan
for a future flood
Enhanced Drainage Infrastructure : Upgrade and expand drainage systems to handle
increased rainfall intensity. This may include increasing the capacity of stormwater drains,
improving maintenance schedules, and incorporating innovative technologies for water
management.
Urban Planning and Land Use Regulations : Implement stricter regulations on urban
development to minimize the creation of impervious surfaces. Encourage green infrastructure
such as permeable pavements, green roofs, and retention ponds to absorb and manage
stormwater.
Public Awareness and Education : Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate
residents about flood risks, safety measures, evacuation procedures, and the importance of
preparedness. Promote community engagement and resilience-building initiatives.
Early Warning Systems : Establish and enhance early warning systems to monitor weather
patterns and predict heavy rainfall events. This could involve advanced meteorological
forecasting, real-time monitoring of water levels, and timely dissemination of alerts to residents
and businesses.
Green and Sustainable Infrastructure : Promote sustainable development
practices that integrate natural solutions for flood mitigation, such as creating
green spaces and preserving natural waterways where possible. This can help
reduce runoff and enhance resilience to climate impacts.
Investment in Resilience and Adaptation : Allocate resources for long-term
investments in flood resilience infrastructure and adaptation measures. This
includes conducting vulnerability assessments, retrofitting critical infrastructure,
and incorporating climate resilience into urban planning.
International Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing : Collaborate with
international organizations, research institutions, and other cities facing similar
challenges to exchange best practices, technological innovations, and lessons
learned in flood risk management.
◦ Emergency Response and Preparedness : Develop and regularly update
emergency response plans specifically tailored for flooding scenarios. Ensure
coordination among government agencies, emergency services, and stakeholders
to facilitate swift and effective responses during flood events.
