Rains in UAE: Four Pakistani men, one woman die in floods

Five Pakistani nationals – four men and one woman – have died in the UAE floods that caused massive damage in the northern and eastern emirates of the UAE. The UAE's Ministry of Interior had said that seven people of Asian descent died in the floods last week.

Hassan Afzal Khan, consul-general at Pakistan Consulate, Dubai, told Khaleej Times in an interview on Sunday that of the deceased, two were residents of Sharjah, two of Fujairah and one, Ras Al Khaimah. Top Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Dr Arif Alvi have offered their condolences over the casualties.

The UAE recorded its highest amount of rainfall in 27 years last week and deployed its army to support rescue efforts.

"We're in touch with the authorities and will soon find out once we have all the documents of the people. We can confirm that the three people were not relatives while we are still waiting for more information about a man and a woman. Once we get all the documents, then we'll be able to confirm anything," said Afzal Khan.

Khan expects the deceased's bodies to be repatriated in the coming week once the documents by the police are processed and passed on to the Pakistani missions.

"Usually, it takes two to three days to repatriate the body. So, we hope they will be repatriated in the coming week," he said.

The consul-general urged the Pakistani community in the UAE to adhere to the authorities' instructions with regard to unstable weather in the country.

"Whenever the UAE government asks residents to stay indoors during heavy rains, the community members must follow the rules," Khan said.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson earlier expressed its "deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased" and prayed for the "speediest recovery" of those injured. "Pakistan stands in solidarity with the fraternal people and Government of the UAE."

Taking to Twitter, the Pakistan premier offered condolences to the UAE and assured that Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and the government of the UAE at this difficult time.

"Grieved to learn about the loss of precious lives, including those of the Pakistani nationals, in the damage caused by floods in the UAE. My most sincere sympathies and heartfelt condolences are with the bereaved families," said Sharif.

"At this difficult time, Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and government of the UAE. I have directed the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi to extend full support to the affected families," added Sharif.

President Dr Alvi expressed his condolences, prayed for the bereaved families to bear the losses with fortitude and also prayed for the speedy recovery of injured people.

- waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com

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