Rains hit UAE: Fewer distress calls as motorists heed lessons from April 2024 floods
[Editor's note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest updates on unstable weather in the UAE]As rain swept across parts of the UAE, recovery truck operators noted a marked difference in motorist behaviour compared to previous heavy downpours. This time, the response has been quieter, with far fewer emergency calls.Several recovery drivers told Khaleej Times that while they remain on standby, the volume of emergency calls has dropped sharply — which suggests motorists are exercising greater caution after witnessing extensive vehicle damage caused by flooding last year.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.'Phones were ringing continuously ’Ishaq Ahmed, a seasoned recovery operator, highlighted the stark contrast between the two weather events.“Last time, our phones were ringing continuously,” he said. “We were receiving calls day and night for vehicle recoveries. Our schedule was booked for almost 10 days after the rain because so many cars had broken down after driving through flooded roads.”This time, however, the situation is much calmer. “Now, we are mostly waiting for calls,” Ishaq explained. “People seem more careful. They are avoiding deep water and not taking unnecessary risks.”Motorists handling the situation differently Sikander Khan, another recovery driver, observed that motorists are handling the situation with greater patience, particularly when cars stall due to water.“We are seeing a few cars damaged by water on the roads, but many drivers are not rushing to start them immediately,” he said. “People are waiting for the water to dry up first. If the car doesn’t start after that, only then do they call us.”He added that this cautious approach is helping prevent further engine damage, something many motorists learned the hard way during the floods.Dubai drivers warned; extra caution urged by police on roads amid unstable weather'Taught us a lesson': UAE residents take weather alerts more seriously after 2024 floodsHeavy rains in Dubai: Police deploy 22 rescue teams; 120 cranes on standby for emergencies
[Editor's note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest updates on unstable weather in the UAE]
As rain swept across parts of the UAE, recovery truck operators noted a marked difference in motorist behaviour compared to previous heavy downpours. This time, the response has been quieter, with far fewer emergency calls.
Several recovery drivers told Khaleej Times that while they remain on standby, the volume of emergency calls has dropped sharply — which suggests motorists are exercising greater caution after witnessing extensive vehicle damage caused by flooding last year.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
'Phones were ringing continuously ’
Ishaq Ahmed, a seasoned recovery operator, highlighted the stark contrast between the two weather events.
“Last time, our phones were ringing continuously,” he said. “We were receiving calls day and night for vehicle recoveries. Our schedule was booked for almost 10 days after the rain because so many cars had broken down after driving through flooded roads.”
This time, however, the situation is much calmer. “Now, we are mostly waiting for calls,” Ishaq explained. “People seem more careful. They are avoiding deep water and not taking unnecessary risks.”
Motorists handling the situation differently
Sikander Khan, another recovery driver, observed that motorists are handling the situation with greater patience, particularly when cars stall due to water.
“We are seeing a few cars damaged by water on the roads, but many drivers are not rushing to start them immediately,” he said. “People are waiting for the water to dry up first. If the car doesn’t start after that, only then do they call us.”
He added that this cautious approach is helping prevent further engine damage, something many motorists learned the hard way during the floods.
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