Dubai struggles to return to normality after devastating floods as cars remain submerged in water

Emergency workers tried to clear waterlogged roads and people assessed the damage to homes and businesses after a rare rainstorm swamped the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai International Airport, a major travel hub, struggled to clear a backlog of flights and many roads were still flooded on Thursday in the aftermath of Tuesday’s deluge.

The rains were the heaviest experienced by the Gulf state in the 75 years that records have been kept. They brought much of the country to a standstill and caused significant damage.

Flooding trapped residents in traffic, offices and homes. Many reported leaks at their homes, while footage circulated on social media showed malls with water pouring from roofs.

Cars drive in a flooded street following heavy rains in Dubai (AFP via Getty Images)

Traffic remained heavily disrupted. A highway through Dubai was reduced to a single lane in one direction, bringing traffic to a standstill, while the main road that connects Dubai with Abu Dhabi was closed in the Abu Dhabi direction.

In Dubai, some vehicles, including buses, were almost entirely submerged in water.

Emergency workers used a fire truck to pump water from a road flooded in nearly waist-deep water as drivers tried to pass, navigating around abandoned vehicles

The desert emirate saw 5.6inches of rain – about a year’s worth – in 24 hours by the end of Tuesday.

Pictures on social media showed a cat clinging to a car door to avoid being swept away. Fortunately, it was rescued by police.

In Oman 19 people died. At least 23 flights had been due to leave Britain for Dubai on Wednesday but they were among 300 cancelled. Heavy rain also left commuters stranded with no way to get homeafter Metro stations and streets were flooded.

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