ABU DHABI // An overhaul of building and infrastructure regulations is expected in Abu Dhabi after thunderstorms wreaked three days of havoc.
Following crisis talks, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority announced that measures to guard against freak weather were being considered.
A recovery operation on a scale rarely seen before in the UAE was hailed as a success by the authority and the capital’s municipal affairs department.
Awaidha Al Marar, the department’s chairman, said building codes would be issued to constructors as part of the review.
“Most of the damage consisted of fallen trees and billboards,” Mr Al Marar said.
“The rapid response and joint efforts between nationals and residents, and the efforts made to overcome crises, are proven by the statistics and figures.”
Between last Tuesday, when the storm damage became apparent, and Thursday, when the worst of the weather had passed, Abu Dhabi Municipality received 860 reports of damage or flooding to property.
Thanks to the efforts of more than 2,000 maintenance workers and 13 contractors, those calls were handled within two to four hours of being reported.
In a 24-hour period, municipality workers pumped 95 per cent of the floodwater away from communities, using 117 tankers and scores of pumps and generators, mainly provided by Musanada, the Abu Dhabi General Services company. Workers used more than 200 saws to clear fallen trees to keep roads open.
All damaged trees were expected to be removed within a week, and 80 per cent of billboards, advertising hoardings and road lights that had blown down in the 125kph winds were expected to be cleared by Thursday.
Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company announced that it had pumped 90 per cent of the water from the streets and opened three blocked rainwater collection systems.
Tributes were paid to the work of recovery crews and Abu Dhabi companies that joined forces to help return life to normal in the capital and beyond.
Abu Dhabi companies Saif bin Darwish and Nael bin Harmel Companies were two that helped in pumping accumulated rainwater from the emirate’s streets and cities.
The emergency authority has announced the latest stage of the recovery process as government teams continue working around the clock.
A spokesman said: “It is such events that show the true colours of men, and young nationals and residents have been great examples in their support of the police, the security teams and the public institutions.
“They have helped to regulate the traffic on the streets and to remove the remains left behind by the strong winds and heavy rains on most highways, despite the harsh weather conditions that hit Abu Dhabi over the weekend.”
Weather forecasters said the next 48 hours were expected to be dry but partly cloudy in most areas. It will be dry and warm for most, with coastal areas at risk of the occasional light shower.
There will be light-to-moderate winds. Maximum daytime temperatures of 28°C are forecast for Abu Dhabi, and 26°C in Dubai.
Clear skies were expected overnight for the next two nights with temperatures falling to 16°C.
nwebster@thenational.ae
