UAE Mobilizes Massive Response To Recent Severe Weather Conditions

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) have recently addressed the nation regarding the concerted efforts to manage the aftermath of severe weather conditions that have impacted the UAE. The collaboration between MoI, NCEMA, the National Guard Command, and strategic partners aims to expedite the recovery phase and ensure a swift return to normalcy across all affected regions.

Despite facing exceptional weather challenges and record-breaking rainfall, emergency response teams, under the leadership of the MoI and in coordination with NCEMA and the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), have been actively working to mitigate the adverse effects. The involvement of the National Guard, alongside federal and local authorities, has been pivotal in restoring normalcy and ensuring smooth traffic flow across the Emirates. This has been achieved through well-implemented procedures and mechanisms by the field teams.

The joint statement provided a detailed overview of the response efforts, highlighting the extensive collaboration among various agencies:

• Response Agencies: A total of 97 entities, including police departments and local municipalities, were involved in the response efforts.
• Human Resources: The operations saw the mobilization of over 17,003 personnel from the Ministry of Interior, 15,320 personnel from local departments, and 558 volunteers from various authorities, including the Emirates Red Crescent Authority. Additionally, 161 private sector entities contributed to the operations.
• Equipment and Vehicles: Around 5,000 vehicles and pieces of machinery were deployed to manage the repercussions of the weather event.
• Emergency Calls: MoI Operations Centres and call centres received a total of 207,691 calls from the public over more than 168 working hours.
• Evacuations and Sheltering: Nearly 1,828 individuals were evacuated and accommodated in coordination with relevant authorities.
• Medical Assistance: Mobile clinics were deployed to monitor and assist the elderly and people with disabilities, ensuring community safety in heavily affected areas.

The National Ambulance Service attended to 1,426 calls during this period. The National Search and Rescue Centre was also actively involved, receiving 635 calls, conducting 14 air sorties, and rescuing 139 individuals. The Emirates Red Crescent played a crucial role by distributing approximately 3,860 food parcels, providing essential medicines, and ensuring daily meals for those in need.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment underscored the UAE's commitment to addressing climate change impacts. It highlighted ongoing efforts to develop solutions in collaboration with stakeholders. The recent weather event has been a stark reminder of changing weather patterns, emphasizing an increase in climate change effects, particularly concerning rainfall.

The General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that despite challenges posed by the weather conditions on air travel, all UAE airports have resumed normal operations. Airports managed the situation effectively by coordinating with response teams, airlines, and airport service partners through measures such as diverting flights and rescheduling to ensure passenger safety.

In their concluding remarks, MoI and NCEMA extended their gratitude towards local emergency management teams, strategic partners, community members, and volunteers for their relentless efforts in contributing to the UAE's recovery from this significant weather event's impacts.

With inputs from WAM