In a turn of events, Dubai, highlighted for its high rises and luxury, faced the unexpected fury of nature – torrential rains and expansive flooding .
These wild weather shifts have not only disturbed the daily routine but have also disrupted major international crypto conventions like TOKEN2049 and Blockchain Life.
TLDR
- TOKEN2049 and Blockchain Life crypto events in Dubai faced interruptions due to the heavy rains and flooding.
- A year’s worth of rainfall drenched Dubai in just one day, sparking chaos with floods affecting daily life.
- The deluge left major highways and Dubai International Airport swamped, halting flights and causing passenger delays.
- Lessons and work went virtual as schools shut down and government employees stayed home due to the adverse weather.
- Rain is rare in the UAE, and without proper drainage infrastructure, the heavy showers compounded the flooding problems.
Within 24 hours, Dubai saw over 142 mm (5.59 inches) of rain, surpassing its regular annual average.
Used to heatwaves and deserts, Dubai found itself adapting to the aftermath of a severe flood.
A Porsche left stranded amidst the flooding yesterday in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/nPySiH0C6A
— Tansu Yegen (@TansuYegen) April 17, 2024
City highways turned into rivers, with emergency services carefully traversing through the flooded paths, while flashes of lightning struck the Burj Khalifa, creating an astonishing sight.
Dubai International Airport, renowned for its global traffic, was overwhelmed as rains covered taxiways, leading to flight suspensions and passengers struggling against the waters.
Highlights from the unwelcome downpour in Dubai's desert expanse pic.twitter.com/6aDsTNtELg
— Kamran Chida (@ChidaKamran) April 17, 2024
Residents of Dubai battled flooding, with some homes taking on water. The region's sparse rainfall infrastructure couldn't cope, leading to stagnant water accumulation.
Despite the chaos, crypto fans and industry leaders at TOKEN2049 and Blockchain Life had to navigate major interruptions.
Social media buzzed with pictures and videos from drenched event locations, with light-hearted quips about the 'liquidated' event.
TOKEN2049 organizers gauged attendee travel plans with an online poll, finding humor as over 40% opted for 'boat.'
In the face of these meteorological hurdles, TOKEN2049 organizers reassured attendees that their main events would take place in sunshine. The crypto community's tenacity is being tested as they navigate through these unforeseen challenges.
Flooding and unusual rainfall weren't exclusive to Dubai, also affecting other UAE regions and neighboring Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
In Oman, the weather's wrath claimed 18 lives, highlighting the dire circumstances.
