Heavy rain and floods in the UAE: what to do
Heavy rain can flood roads, underpasses and low-lying areas quickly. This page brings together the key steps from our flood, storm and power guides.
UAE: Police 999, Ambulance 998, Fire 997- During unstable weather in the UAE, NCEMA has advised residents to follow official instructions, secure vehicles, stay away from watercourses and floods, and avoid rugged areas such as mountains. (Gulf Today (WAM report of NCEMA statement, 29 Feb 2024))
- When Cyclone Shaheen approached in October 2021, NCEMA told UAE residents to avoid beaches, mountains and low-lying areas, and NCM asked the public to follow its official bulletins. (Gulf Today (report of NCEMA and NCM statements, 3 Oct 2021))
- In Dubai, check the outage cause with DEWA's Smart Response service in its app or website. For faults inside your building, call your building maintenance team or a licensed electrician. For faults on DEWA's network, call 991. (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA))
Before the rain
- Find out how likely flooding is where you live, and remember it can happen outside mapped areas.[1]
- Sign up for official flood warnings by text, phone or email.[2]
- Make a written household flood plan covering where to go, what to do and your pets.[1]
- Keep spare medicine, important papers and contact numbers stored safely with your plan.[2]
- Learn your evacuation routes and practise them with the family.[1]
- Clear drains and gutters, and move valuables to higher shelves or floors.[1]
- Check whether your insurance covers flood damage, as many home policies do not.[1]
From our guide: Floods and heavy rain (sources listed there).
During heavy rain and floods
- When a warning is issued, move people, pets and key items upstairs or to higher ground.[3]
- Switch off gas, power and water only if safe, and never touch switches while standing in water.[3]
- Never walk, swim, cycle or drive through floodwater. Shallow moving water can knock you over.[1]
- Keep off bridges above fast flowing water and never drive around road barriers.[1]
- Leave immediately if authorities tell you to evacuate.[1]
- If trapped in a building, go to the highest floor, but not into a closed attic.[1]
- If water rises inside your car, climb onto the roof and call for help.[1]
- Keep listening to official alerts for updated instructions.[1]
From our guide: Floods and heavy rain (sources listed there).
After the water goes down
- Go home only once authorities confirm it is safe.[1]
- Stay out of floodwater: it may be contaminated, hide debris or be live from fallen power lines.[1]
- Do not touch wet electrical items, or anything electrical while standing in water.[1]
- Wear heavy gloves, boots, protective clothing and a mask when clearing mud and mould.[1]
- Keep children out of the clean-up, and people with lung or immune problems away from mould.[1]
- Look out for snakes and other animals that may have entered your home.[1]
- Run generators only outdoors, well away from windows.[1]
- If your home cannot be lived in, ask your local council about emergency housing.[3]
From our guide: Floods and heavy rain (sources listed there).
In a severe storm
- If told to evacuate, leave straight away with your emergency kit and use official routes.[1]
- If staying, shelter in your safe room and keep away from windows and glass doors.[1]
- When you hear thunder, get inside a solid building. Tents, sheds and trees give no protection.[2]
- Indoors, avoid plugged-in devices and running water during lightning.[2]
- If driving, pull off the road away from trees and power lines if you cannot reach a building.[2]
- Head for higher ground before flooding starts, and never enter floodwater.[1]
- Stay indoors until official forecasts say the danger has passed.[2]
From our guide: Severe storms, cyclones and hurricanes (sources listed there).
Get ready for power cuts
- Write key phone numbers, including your power fault line, on paper and keep them handy.[3]
- Keep torches, a battery or wind-up radio and spare batteries where everyone can find them.[1]
- Keep a charged power bank and backup batteries for any medical device you rely on.[3]
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm with battery backup and keep smoke alarms working.[2]
- Put thermometers in your fridge and freezer and keep frozen gel packs or water bottles ready.[4]
- Protect computers and televisions with surge protector power strips.[2]
- Ask your doctor how to manage medicines that need cooling and devices that need power.[2]
- Agree a plan to check on neighbours, especially older or vulnerable people.[3]
From our guide: Power outage (sources listed there).
Every step on this page comes from an official source cited on the linked guide. Always follow instructions from UAE authorities.