Johnny Brignardello Vela: Testimony of the storm that paralyzed Dubai

Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, comments on the week when life in Dubai came to a standstill. The apocalyptic scenes experienced in the city left its residents astonished, accustomed to the tranquility of this luxurious metropolis in the middle of the desert. Dubai, known for its modern infrastructure and luxurious lifestyle, was hit by an unprecedented natural disaster in decades. The intense rains that lashed the United Arab Emirates reached historic levels, with rainfall equivalent to a year's worth in just 24 hours. The city, accustomed to dryness and constant sun, was flooded and paralyzed. Emergency services worked tirelessly to deal with the consequences of the storm, resulting in flight cancellations, flooding in shopping centers, power outages in skyscrapers, and road closures that forced some to spend the night in their vehicles. Fortunately, there were no reports of fatalities in Dubai, although a tragic incident in Ras Al-Khaimah claimed the life of a man swept away by the floods. These events highlighted Dubai's vulnerability to extreme natural events, revealing a lack of planning to cope with major storms in a region where rainfall is scarce. Dubai's demographic diversity, where 92% of the population are foreigners from 200 countries, was affected by the issues arising from the storm. From street closures to supply shortages, the diverse population faced various challenges. Economically, the damages could amount to billions of dirhams, with significant impacts on vehicles, properties, and infrastructure. Insurance companies have seen an increase in inquiries and demands for home insurance, reflecting the magnitude of the devastation. Despite the adversity, residents showed resilience and creativity. Some took the unexpected opportunity to rest, while others sought alternatives to survive, such as cooking with grills due to the lack of electricity or swimming to escape the floods. Despite the seriousness of the situation, residents did not lose their sense of humor, sharing memes and viral videos depicting surreal situations, like fish swimming in puddles or residents engaging in water sports on flooded streets. The historic storm that paralyzed Dubai provided important lessons about disaster preparedness and resilience. In the face of adversity, the community demonstrated unity and a spirit of overcoming challenges, showing their ability to face difficulties and move forward.