Last week’s unprecedented rainfall and ensuing floods have left numerous buildings and communities across Dubai dealing with the aftermath. For nearly a week, many residents have been without electricity, water, and basic services, prompting them to seek alternative arrangements as the heavy rainfall severely disrupted daily life.
In The Greens area of Dubai, several apartment blocks have been impacted by flooding. Since Tuesday, April 16, occupants of these buildings have endured days without electricity and running water.
Rupa Sarkar, an Indian resident of The Greens, commented, “It’s been nearly five days since authorities began efforts to clear water from the basement. In our building, electricity had to be disconnected due to the basement being flooded.”
As efforts to restore electricity continue, residents have relied on community support. Rupa and her neighbours received assistance from friends who provided meals initially. Later, the building management arranged hotel accommodation until power was restored. “We’re checking out of the hotel on Monday evening. Temporary generators have been arranged by the management, but we’re unsure if electricity has been fully restored yet.”
Another affected resident in Discovery Gardens, Indian expat Veera Akula, faced significant challenges due to the power outage. “At precisely 3 pm on Tuesday, the building lost power after water entered the transformers and damaged some wires. Since then, power hasn’t been restored.”
With no backup generators and water supply cut off, Veera relocated to a hotel until Friday when water was restored. “I thought if there’s water, I can stay, but I’ve been in darkness at night for three days now,” he added.
Veera, separated from his family, worries about their arrival on Wednesday. If the situation persists, he plans to relocate his wife, daughter, and son to a hotel.
In Al Barsha, Egyptian mother Ihsan Derwish faces similar hardships. Electricity in her home was cut off on Wednesday, April 17, leaving her and her children in a challenging situation. With her husband stranded in Sharjah until Thursday, Ihsan had to manage alone. “The first day was extremely tough, especially because I had to carry my toddler down six floors,” Ihsan said.
Though authorities are working diligently to resolve the situation, Ihsan has had to balance ensuring her children’s safety with fetching food and water. “After the first day, people in the area were really helpful. We didn’t have to climb the stairs again. Everything we needed was brought to our doorsteps,” she added.
Without electricity, internet access was unavailable, preventing her children from attending online classes. Ihsan explained, “There was so much to consider. If it was only me, I could have handled it, but it was very difficult for the kids.” Upon her husband’s return on Thursday, Ihsan decided to stay with her sister-in-law, leaving their building.
