Dubai Handles Over 39,000 Weather Calls

Dubai Police Responds to Over 39,000 Calls During Unusual Weather

The heavy rains that fell in the United Arab Emirates on December 18 and 19 challenged not only the urban infrastructure but also disrupted the normal course of everyday life. As a consequence of the unusual weather, significant disruptions occurred in various parts of the country, demanding immediate and coordinated measures from the relevant authorities. Particularly, the city of Dubai stood out for its rapid and effective response, with the police handling the emergency in an exemplary manner.

Tens of Thousands of Emergency Calls in Two Days

During the two days of weather adversities, the Dubai Police handled a total of 39,299 calls. Among these, 32,391 emergency calls were received on the 999 emergency number, while 6,908 inquiries were addressed on the non-emergency 901 line. People sought help not only by phone but through other channels as well: the police responded to 427 emails and 1,690 live chat messages via its official website.

These numbers highlight the enormous pressure on the call centers, which nonetheless operated continuously to ensure the population was informed, supported, and reassured during the stormy days.

Exemplary Coordination and Rapid Response

The Dubai Police publicly recognized the tireless and professional efforts of the staff of the Command and Control Center, as well as the 901 Communication Center. The teams worked around the clock to minimize the storm's effects and ensure the safety of the city's residents.

The swift response pays tribute not only to the police's technical preparedness and resources but also to the organized work that enables the effective handling of suddenly arising situations. For the population, this was particularly important in a period when many roadways became impassable, traffic turned chaotic, and visibility conditions became dangerous.

Sharjah's Example: Coordinated Response to the Emergency

The exceptional weather did not only affect the city of Dubai. In Sharjah, the number of reports also increased. The municipality handled 522 reports concerning flooded areas and had to intervene in seven cases of fallen trees. The 993 center operated at full capacity, and dedicated lines were established to maintain direct contact with the Sharjah Police and field units.

A special phone line was opened for reporting water accumulation, significantly reducing response times. Such operational flexibility is essential for rapidly adapting to natural conditions, especially in regions where heavy rainfall is relatively rare.

Nationwide Alerts and Traffic Management

National meteorological services had issued warnings before the storms, and the authorities continually updated traffic and safety guidelines. Residents were urged only to leave their homes if absolutely necessary and to monitor information regarding road closures and traffic diversions.

Traffic police paid particular attention to securing problematic routes and assisted with rescuing stranded vehicles, closing flooded intersections, and reorganizing traffic.

Technological Support in Crisis Situations

Digital tools played an especially prominent role in the current situation. The online channels of the Dubai Police – such as live chat, the official website, and social media – served as crucial communication platforms. They played a notable role not only in receiving reports but also in informing the public, enabling swift and targeted information flow.

The trust from the public in these platforms contributed to ensuring information reached the right place and effective solutions to problems could be enacted in a timely manner.

Community's Role in Emergencies

While the authorities did all they could, community collaboration is especially important during such times. Volunteers assisted in traffic control, removing stranded vehicles, and safely transporting the elderly, children, or mobility-impaired individuals to secure locations at various sites.

These examples of collaboration demonstrate that such unexpected circumstances offer not only challenges but also opportunities to strengthen social cohesion and responsibility.

Conclusion

The weather anomalies of December 18-19 refocused attention on the importance of preparedness, the integration of technology into urban infrastructure, and trust and cooperation between the public and authorities. Dubai showcased how to respond swiftly, effectively, and organizedly to an unexpected crisis situation.

In the future, such experiences will be incorporated into the city's emergency protocols, further enhancing resilience and adaptability – not only for Dubai but for the entire UAE.

(Source of the article: Based on Dubai Police announcement.)