Tropical Storm Maha: UAE issues selfie warning

Fujairah - "Taking a selfie with high waves around you is dangerous," a top civil defence official said.

Don't take selfies near high waves or close to the beach as it may pose grave risk to your life, the Fujairah civil defence has warned.
"Taking a selfie with high waves around you is dangerous," pointed out Brigadier Ali Al Tunaiji, director of Fujairah civil defence.
"We have put up several signs in different languages to make the public aware about the right procedures that should be followed in case of storms and heavy showers." Some people, however, have reacted irresponsibly, he rued.
"Skiing on wood boards very close on the wave breaker is extremely risky."
It is so difficult, and "almost impossible" for rescue teams to provide help in such cases, he pointed out. "The sea is very rough, the wind strong, and the waves boisterous."
Some residents have reportedly turned deaf ears to all the warnings and continue to take selfies with the strong waves caused by Cyclone Kyarr in the backdrop, he stated.
"This is not an adventure; it is rather a callous act that mostly ends in a catastrophe."
Residents are urged to avoid going to the beach until the end of the tropical storm, he said.
"It is not advisable for anyone to go to the beach, valleys or dams right now, particularly with reports of bad weather coming in."
Salem Mohammed, director of public works and agriculture, said his men are working round-the-clock to drain out the rainwater that has accumulated. "The roads affected by the high waves and flooding have also been made accessible again."
The concrete barriers have efficiently held back the seawater, he stated.
"The seas are now back to normal along the eastern coast, and the families sheltered in hotel apartments have safely returned to their houses."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE