Heeding the authorities’ warnings, UAE residents are making every effort to stay safe in anticipation of the ‘severe’ weather conditions that are expected to hit the country this weekend.
Families from vulnerable and flood-prone areas, such as Al Ain and Kalba, have decided to temporarily leave their homes and move to safer grounds. Some opted to stay with relatives in Dubai.
Mohammed Akram is one of them. “I am not taking any chances with the upcoming adverse weather. I have decided to spend the weekend at my brother’s place in Nahda, Dubai, to ensure my family’s safety,” said the expat who lives in Al Ain.
The last time the UAE saw heavy rain, Akram had to spend more than Dh2,000 on car repairs. “After my car was submerged in water last time, it spent nearly 10 days in the garage. I received my car just two days ago, I won’t let that happen again.”
Kamil Shareef, a resident of Al Mahatta in Kalba, will also be relocating with his family to his brother’s house in Sharjah.
“When the streets flooded last time, I had to move my wife and kids to my brother’s house in Sharjah. My wife is five months pregnant and I can’t take any chances,” said Shareef.
“Our apartment consists of just two floors — ground and first. People residing on the ground floor have moved their furniture and homeware to the corridors on the first floor.”
Safeguarding vehicles
Residents are also parking their cars at elevated areas, away from flood-prone zones.
“I am well aware of the risks that come with heavy rainfall and the threat of flooded streets near my house,” said Shahrez Ahmed, a resident of Majaz in Sharjah.
“Normally, I park my car at a private parking near my house which is usually submerged in water when it rains. It’s essential to take extra precaution. For the next two days, I will be parking my vehicle at an area that offers higher ground.”
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