UAE rains: 2 die of suffocation, 1 killed in accident, top Philippine official confirms

Three Filipinos were reported dead - one in Dubai and two in Sharjah - following the torrential rain that hit the UAE on April 16, the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) and a top Filipino labour official announced in Manila on Thursday.

Taking to X, Hans Leo Cacdac, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said: “With extreme sadness, we report the death of 3 OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) during the flooding in the UAE.

“Two OFWs died due to suffocation inside their vehicle during the flood. One other OFW died due to a vehicular accident,” he added.

Cacdac did not provide details about the identity of the victims or where the incidents happened but underscored that “DMW shall provide utmost support and assistance to their families”.

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Close coordination with authorities

On reported fatalities, the PCG said, they have "received official confirmation from police authorities regarding the unfortunate demise of three Filipino nationals".

"In Dubai, a 47-year-old Filipino male worker tragically succumbed to a fatal vehicular accident on a road damaged by heavy rains on Tuesday night. Additionally, Sharjah police authorities have confirmed the passing of two Filipinas who lost their lives while inside a vehicle submerged in floodwaters", the PCG added.

The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Dubai also released a statement on Thursday, “assuring the public that all efforts are being undertaken to ensure that Filipinos affected by the floods are provided assistance".

“The Consulate and MWO-OWWA (Migrant Workers Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Association) are in close coordination with Dubai authorities to obtain accurate and updated information so that we can give urgent support to our countrymen affected the extreme weather conditions,” PCG added, noting: “On the reported deaths of Filipinos in Dubai, the Consulate is coordinating with Dubai Police to ascertain details including the cause of death. This will also allow us to provide necessary assistance for the NOK (next of kin).

The PCG said they are “working hand in hand with the Filipino community organisations in Dubai to be able to reach out to those affected.”

“So far, the reports being received is that Filipinos are helping fellow Filipinos as well as other nationalities in Dubai, proof that bayanihan (community volunteerism) is alive and well.

“The Consulate is also coordinating with Dubai airport authorities regarding stranded passengers due to cancelled flights,” PCG added.

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