UAE rains: Residents of Kalba return to survey, clean up homes in flood aftermath

After four days of waterlogging due to the heavy rains, authorities have cleared some neighbourhoods in the Sharjah city of Kalba on Friday, allowing residents to return and assess the aftermath. Unfortunately, many houses bore the brunt of the elements, which caused substantial damage to furniture, electronics, utensils, and other homeware.

Upon re-entry, many residents were left heartbroken by the sight of their homes left in shabby conditions. “Many of our belongings like clothes, food, books, and much more have been lost in the floods or are damaged to the state that they cannot be reused,” said Ashar Abdullah, a businessman and a resident of Al Khuwair in Kalba.

“The draining of water has not only caused damages to houses but also the accumulation of dirt,” said Ashar.

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Residents are navigating through the devastation after a storm assailed the town earlier this week. “As waters gradually recede in certain areas, we are being allowed to visit our homes to assess the extent of the damage,” said Abubakar Siddique, a pharmacist residing in Al Khuwair.

“The authorities have drained the water from Al Khuwair and the compounds of our homes are mushy due to sustained waterlogging,” said Siddique.

As the muddy residue settles, it is an added complexity to return to normalcy, to clean and restore their properties. “This is now a daunting task for us. We have to throw away all the damaged goods from our houses and then the usable ones must be placed elsewhere while we clean up our homes,” said Ashar.

“This entire process will take more than five days for us if it doesn’t rain in between,” Added Ashar.

Community bond

In these tough times, neighbours and friends are joining hands, offering support to clean homes and properties. “Two days ago, I sent my wife and children to my brother's place in Sharjah. I have to clean the house in the next few days to welcome them home,” said Ravi Puttoor.

“Many of my friends’ homes are still waterlogged and they have come to help me to clear the mud and clean our properties so that we can return to normalcy as soon as possible,” he said.

Ravi also pointed out that Emiratis were quick to offer help. "Many of them saw us cleaning up and they invited us to join them for lunch and dinner."

ALSO READ:

• UAE: 4 days after evacuation from flooded homes, displaced residents assess damage

• Making boats, providing food: How UAE residents are helping each other in flood-affected areas

• Look: Residents evacuate, business on hold; Sharjah city of Kalba grinds to halt amid heavy rains

• Rains in UAE: 61 families evacuated from their homes in Sharjah, moved to hotels

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