Heavy rains, hailstorm lash Ras Al Khaimah

Moderate to heavy showers lashed the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah on Sunday causing flooding in houses and rockslides. Three accidents were also reported.

The emirate also saw hailstorm and strong winds leading to a significant drop in temperature, while valleys, mountainous areas, and dams were filled with water.

The weather remained cloudy on Monday with forecasters predicting more rains. On Sunday, some schools in the northern areas remained closed because of the hazy and nippy weather and due to water accumulation.

Jabal Jais road also saw rockslides but luckily no accidents or injuries have been reported. The road remained closed until the rocks were removed. According to a senior official, three houses were flooded and a road at the Manaie area caved in because of the torrential rains.

Ahmed Al Hammadi, Director General of Public Works and Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, said they were alerted that the road leading to the Manaie area had given way. “Tankers and vehicles were dispatched to the area and a temporary diversion was made.”

Flooded houses were reported at Al Manaei area, and one at Shawka locality. “Tankers were sent out to suck out the water, and everything is now under control.”

Meanwhile, the emirate saw two traffic accidents. In the fisrt case, two heavy trucks collided at the Seeh area resulting in one of the trucks turning over injuring the driver.

Police sources said the other accident happened on the Wakalat road when an Emirati motorist lost control over the steering wheel, veered off the road and rammed into a lamp post and concrete barrier. The motorist sustained injuries and was shifted to the hospital.

The RAK Police has warned seafarers, beachgoers, and motorists about the unstable weather, as per a report issued by the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology in the UAE.

Lt-Col Ahmed Al Shaam Al Naqbi, Acting Director General of the Traffic and Patrols Department, RAK Police, urged motorists to comply with traffic rules.

Residents can call 072356611; 072356600; 072356998 or 072356999 in case of emergency, he added.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com