Road collapses as heavy rains strike RAK

Ras Al Khaimah road

A section of Al Shuhada Street in Ras Al Khaimah collapsed on Saturday following heavy rains, prompting the police to cordon off the area for public safety. The road cave-in occurred due to a landslide, affecting the route leading to Emirates Road. While no injuries were reported, the incident highlighted the impact of severe weather conditions in the region.

Images shared by the Ras Al Khaimah Police depicted the collapsed portion of the road, emphasizing the extent of the damage caused by the landslide. As a precautionary measure, authorities closed a road leading to Ras Al Khaimah’s Wadi Shawka after the dam overflowed. The police issued warnings through social media, urging residents to avoid valley areas prone to flooding and exercise caution while driving in adverse weather conditions.

In neighbouring Sharjah, road exit tunnels on Sharjah Maliha Road, Sharjah Al Dhaid Road, and Khor Fakkan Road were closed due to waterlogging. The closures aimed to prevent accidents and ensure public safety amidst the challenging weather conditions. Additionally, UAE Ministry of Interior called on motorists to remain vigilant and drive carefully to avoid accidents or road hazards.

The heavy rain and thunderstorms that swept across various parts of the country overnight led to dark skies, strong winds, and varying intensities of rainfall. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the National Centre of Meteorology issued an orange alert, indicating the expectation of hazardous weather events persisting throughout the UAE. 

According to forecasts from the National Centre of Meteorology, unstable weather conditions were anticipated to continue, with rainfall, lightning, and thunder expected in different areas. However, the weather was projected to gradually improve by Sunday evening, with the unstable conditions predominantly affecting eastern regions of the country.

The incidents in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah underscored the importance of preparedness and caution during adverse weather conditions. Authorities' swift response in securing affected areas and issuing warnings to residents reflected their commitment to ensuring public safety. As the UAE braced for continued unstable weather, residents were urged to heed advisories, avoid high-risk areas, and take necessary precautions to stay safe.