Families evacuated after building tilts due to structural damages

building tilt

More than 100 families in a multistory tower in Muhaisnah 4, Dubai, faced an abrupt evacuation due to structural damages after the building tilted following a jolt. The incident occurred late on Friday night (April 19), leaving residents startled and scrambling to safety.

The ordeal began around 8:30 pm when Nawal's young son experienced a sudden tremor, reminiscent of an earthquake. Initially dismissing it as a minor event, Nawal and her family were caught off guard when Dubai Civil Defence officials arrived at their doorstep, urging immediate evacuation due to structural issues in the building. It was then evident that one side of the building had suffered severe damages, causing it to crack and tilt slightly.

In a panic, Nawal swiftly gathered essential documents and clothing before evacuating her children from the building. With elevators out of service, the descent was via stairs, adding to the urgency and chaos of the situation. The recent heavy rains in the UAE worsened the situation, flooding the basement of the tower and leaving stagnant water, with some cars submerged.

Throughout the night, affected families, including Nawal's, spent hours in their cars parked outside the building, uncertain about their next steps. The building owner, alongside Civil Defence and government authorities, worked tirelessly to secure the premises and assist the displaced residents. Families shared stories of fear and uncertainty, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Lakshmi, another tenant, was away at a mall when the incident occurred. Rushing back upon receiving news from a neighbor, she found the building sealed off by the police. Hours of waiting ensued before authorities allowed controlled access for residents to retrieve their belongings. The upheaval left families pondering their future, unsure of when, or if, the building would be deemed safe for habitation again.

For now, displaced families like Nawal's and Lakshmi's have sought temporary shelter in hotels or with relatives, grappling with uncertainty about their living arrangements and the financial implications of the unforeseen displacement. While grateful for their safety, they are anxious about the road ahead and the prospect of rebuilding their lives amidst uncertainty and upheaval.