Video: Car swept away in flash flood on UAE mountain

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Video: Car swept away in flash flood on UAE mountain

Ras Al Khaimah - About 300 cars are stranded at the top.

By Ahmed Shaaban

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Published: Sun 14 Apr 2019, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Sun 14 Apr 2019, 1:06 PM

A car caught in a flash flood on the Jabal Jais has been swept away, the Ras Al Khaimah Police have confirmed to Khaleej Times. It was not immediately clear if there was anyone inside the vehicle at the time.
Several vehicles have been stranded on the highest peak in the UAE, as heavy rains lashed the country on Saturday. The UAE's National Centre For Meteorology (NCM) has issued a flash floods alert that will remain in effect till 11.30am on Sunday.
Also read: Light to moderate rainfall hits parts of UAE
Residents stuck on the Jabal Jais after being caught unawares due to the sudden downpour estimated that about 300 cars were stranded at the top.
Saif Ul Hasan, a Ras Al Khaimah resident who was among those stranded on the peak, told Khaleej Times that it rained non-stop throughout the day. "The road to the peak is blocked with rainwater.

"The situation looks grim and people have been asked to stay away from flash flood areas. Cars have moved further backward as the flash flood area has expanded. It appears that people will be struck here for a few more hours.
"Hopefully, the Ras Al Khaimah Police will be able to open a lane on the road for stranded families to pass through."
Azhar Ahmed, another Ras Al Khaimah resident, said people were stranded since 3pm. "The Ras Al Khaimah Police blocked the road since 3.30pm to ensure people's safety," he said.
The situation was getting "worse", he said.
Mirza Ata, a Dubai resident, said he hadn't heard about any emergency cases.
Mohammed Salah, a Ras Al Khaimah resident, said people were getting "tired and bored". "I believe if this goes for a while, people would need food and water supplies."
Flash floods, roads blocked
Meanwhile, the NCM has posted videos and photos showing flash floods in different valleys across the country. The videos showed waterfalls forming on mountains as rainwater gushed to the valleys below.
A part of the Sharjah road in Falaj Al Moalla area has been partially blocked due to a landslide caused by heavy showers in the area since afternoon.
Heavy rains have been reported over Wadi Shahah, Saqr Port, Jabal Jais and Yanas Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah. In Abu Dhabi, they were reported in Al Adalah, Al Shawamekh, Al Dhafra, Madinat Zayed and Al Wathba. Al Faqah in Al Ain; Hatta and Margham in Dubai; Al Dhaid and Al Manama in Sharjah; Masafi and Al Tawain in Fujairah; and Falaj Al Moalla in Umm Al Quwain also saw heavy rains.
The department of public works in Ras Al Khaimah has attended to several calls for help due to the heavy showers.
Ahmed Hamad Al Shehi, an advisor to the department, said they have received reports about accumulated rainwater, uprooted trees and landslides. "The department has deployed tankers and pumps to drain out all the accumulated rainwater and open blocked roads."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com


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