UAE Cabinet sets up emergency committee to determine damage caused by torrential rains, floods

The UAE Cabinet on Wednesday directed the formation of an urgent committee headed by the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and concerned federal authorities to assess the damages caused by the torrential rains and floods in the various regions of the country.

The Cabinet also directed the committee to submit a detailed report on the damages and immediately start taking all necessary measures to protect property and lives in coordination with the security and police authorities and municipalities in all emirates of the country.

The committee has called on all UAE citizens and residents, especially those residing in the mountainous areas, to be cautious and stay away from the streams of valleys and torrents.

It also urged them to immediately report any accidents through emergency numbers, operation rooms in the police and civil defence departments that work around the clock to respond to any emergency.

Heavy rains have lashed several parts of the country, flooding roads, filling up wadis and forming waterfalls. Temperatures in the country have dipped as low as 17°C amid peak summer, as the National Centre of Meteorology predicts more rains throughout the week.

Sharjah Police has announced a total closure of Khorfakkan road on both sides for the time being and called on motorists to take alternative routes.

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The NCM had predicted “unstable weather” for Thursday, with rainy conditions bringing down temperatures significantly. The authority advised residents to stay away from areas that are prone to flash floods and water accumulation.

• UAE