Dubai experienced challenging weather conditions recently, with heavy rains leading to over 10,000 emergency calls flooding the lines of Dubai Police. The city’s emergency response teams displayed remarkable preparedness and efficiency in handling the situation, deploying thousands of personnel and hundreds of units of equipment to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather.
The Dubai Police reported a staggering 10,232 calls on their emergency and non-emergency hotlines between 6 am and 3 pm on Saturday. Of these, the emergency hotline 999 received 9,275 calls, while the non-emergency hotline 901 received 957 calls, indicating the magnitude of the situation.
Various entities, including Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Police, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, and Nakheel, rallied together, deploying a total of 2,300 personnel to respond to emergencies across the emirate. This collaborative effort aimed to ensure the safety and well-being of residents amidst the challenging weather conditions.
Equipped with over 700 units of specialized equipment, including 250 tankers, 300 rainwater pumps, and more than 180 emergency vehicles, the response teams were well-prepared to tackle water-logged streets and mitigate the impact of heavy rains. Their swift and coordinated actions were crucial in alleviating potential hazards and maintaining public safety.
In light of the adverse weather, Dubai Police issued advisories urging caution among residents. They emphasized the importance of using the emergency hotline 999 solely for critical situations, while non-emergency inquiries should be directed to 901. Drivers were cautioned to avoid water-logged areas, valleys, and low-lying areas, prioritizing safety and preventing accidents.
The comprehensive plan devised by Dubai authorities aimed to address any issues arising from the heavy rains promptly. Leveraging historical data and statistics from previous rainy seasons, the field teams developed preemptive strategies to maintain traffic flow and address water-logging effectively. This proactive approach helped minimize disruptions and ensure the smooth functioning of essential services.
Members of the public were encouraged to report any issues through smart apps provided by Dubai Municipality, RTA, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment. Additionally, contact centers were available for assistance, with dedicated hotlines for different types of inquiries.
Overall, Dubai’s emergency response teams demonstrated resilience, agility, and commitment in managing the challenges posed by heavy rains. Their coordinated efforts and swift actions reflect the city’s readiness to handle adverse weather conditions and prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents.
