Deaths in raging weather

DUBAI/SHARJAH - Raging winds and showers opened the roads to tragedy with four deaths reported from accidents in Dubai and Sharjah. Twelve motorists sustained injuries, police said. Dubai Airports said 36 flights were diverted due to the inclement weather which did not clear until about 1pm on Sunday.

By Amira Agarib & Sarah Young

Published: Mon 8 Apr 2013, 12:36 AM

Last updated: Tue 30 Nov 2021, 9:43 AM

Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zafein, Traffic Director of the Dubai Police, said a UAE national died when he lost control of his speeding car on the slippery road near Al Warqa roundabout and collided with another car. His friend was seriously injured, he said.

Another accident involved a mini-van which rammed into a concrete barrier on Mohammed bin Zayed Road, throwing one of its occupants out of the vehicle. He was killed instantly while three others suffered serious injuries.

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Major Khaled Al Kayi, Director of Information at the Sharjah Traffic Department, said the low visibility caused by sand enveloping the roads resulted in three major accidents on Saturday. "A collision between two vehicles on Al Madam Road killed two motorists on the spot," Al Kayi said.

The Abu Dhabi Police reported 388 minor traffic accidents during the violent weather and the Dubai Police recorded 60 overnight.

Director of the Abu Dhabi Police Operations Department Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Suliman Al Maskari urged motorists to exercise extra caution, reduce speed and drive carefully during any climatic changes.

Riyadh Abdullah Eilan, Sharjah Municipality's Acting Director-General, said an emergency committee had been formed to cope with all the rain-related emergencies. "The municipality is already working to clear the debris and sand from buildings and roads," he said.

He added that the drainage water pipes which were installed recently were working well and there had been no reports of flooding on major roads.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, today and the rest of the week looks slightly better, with only partially cloudy weather and moderate winds. Humidity will continue to increase, and there may be a chance of fog over some areas. Day temperatures will gradually rise.

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