Were UAE’s flash floods result of cloud seeding?

One of the most pertinent questions on everyone's mind is - what caused the UAE's flash floods that wreaked havoc and sank the Gulf state known forits iconic skyline with towering skyscrapers under water. Dubai, recognised as a global hub for tourism attracting millions of visitors each year, was at a standstill after the torrential rains.

Flights had to be cancelled for safety purposes, schools were asked to remain closed, and traffic disruptions were seen as roads submerged under water. A report by Bloomberg pointed out that the deluge, which inundated various parts of the desert nation, was linked to cloud seeding, a weather modification technique where substances are dispersed into the air to alter cloud properties, to influence precipitation.

The most common substances used for cloud seeding are silver iodide, potassium iodide, and liquid propane. These substances act as nuclei around which cloud droplets can form. The function of these substances is to enhance the process of condensation, and increased rainfall under suitable atmospheric conditions.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The report highlighted that this practice has been employed by the UAE since 2002 in a bid to address water security concerns triggered due to its arid climate, limited freshwater resources, and high water demand driven by urbanisation.

Also Read |Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow hits Chernihiv with missiles, killing nine

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) dispatched seeding planes from Al Ain airport to capitalise on convective cloud formations, as explained by a specialist meteorologist Ahmed Habib, reported Bloomberg. According to NCM, the seeding operations to stimulate rainfall was carried out on Sunday (Apr 14) and Monday (Apr 15), not Tuesday (Apr 16).

Lack of drainage infra

Habib reportedly noted that seeding planes conducted seven missions so far. To exacerbate the flood menace, there is a lack of adequate drainage infrastructure in many areas.

Also Read |Israel targeting refugee camps? 11, including children, dead in airstrike on Al-Maghazi refugee camp

Dubai International Airport operations were also suspended, with flight disruptions continuing.In response to the adverse weather conditions, the UAE government issued warnings advising residents to stay indoors except for extreme emergencies.

Watch |Dubai: Heavy rains & flash flood warnings sweep the Gulf

Critics have often expressed worry about the potential environmental consequences of cloud seeding, including altering natural precipitation patterns.

(With inputs from agencies)