UAE Advises Citizens as Goretti Storm Hits

UAE Issues Caution to Citizens in UK Amid Goretti Storm

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London has issued a warning for all Emirati citizens currently in the United Kingdom due to the country's severe weather conditions. The winter storm named Goretti has hit the UK with heavy snowfall, gale-force winds, and intense rainfall, severely affecting Scotland and central areas of England. The storm reached the country on Friday, causing significant disruptions in transportation, power supplies, and education.

Effects of Storm Goretti

Weather forecasting services predicted Storm Goretti days in advance, but the intensity of the event still caught many by surprise. In some regions of the UK, wind speeds reached up to 90 km/h, not only damaging transport infrastructure but also causing widespread power outages.

France was also significantly impacted by the storm, with around 380,000 households left without power, mainly in Normandy and Brittany. According to the energy provider Enedis, restoration efforts could take several days. In the UK, 57,000 homes lost electricity, and local authorities are continuously working to address the faults.

Due to the heavy snowfall, hundreds of schools closed their doors in Scotland and central England. Local railway companies have asked passengers to travel only if necessary, and services on several lines have been completely suspended. Driving conditions are also hazardous, with ice and stranded vehicles crippling traffic in many places.

UAE Embassy's Warning

Due to the extreme weather conditions, the UAE Embassy in London strongly urges its citizens to adhere to instructions and warnings issued by the British authorities. It is crucial for everyone to follow local weather reports and transportation and public service advisories, especially if planning to travel.

The embassy's statement advises Emirati citizens to register for the "Twajudi" service, which provides consular support and rapid assistance to UAE citizens abroad in emergencies. Registered citizens will automatically receive updates on relevant developments, and emergency contact will be initiated if necessary.

In emergencies, UAE citizens can call the following emergency numbers: +971 800 24 or +971 800 44444. These numbers are available 24/7 to reach foreign affairs authorities and provide assistance to citizens in trouble.

Evolving Situation

The effects of Storm Goretti continue to be felt, and according to British meteorological services, the situation is unlikely to return to normal for several days. Although the strongest winds and heaviest snowfalls have subsided, temperatures may still remain below freezing, making roads and travel dangerous.

Utility companies are employing all available resources to restore power, but adverse conditions are hindering efforts in many places. The closure of some schools and disruptions in transportation services will likely persist until the infrastructure is fully restored.

The British government's emergency task force meets regularly to coordinate aid and keep the public informed of the latest developments. Special attention is being paid to those living in rural areas, who often reside isolated in hard-to-reach locations.

Travel Advice and Precautions

UAE citizens are advised to travel within the UK only if absolutely necessary and to check the latest weather and transportation information beforehand. Delays or cancellations can also occur at airports, so it's advisable to continually monitor flight information.

Local authorities are urging people to carry adequate winter equipment, such as warm clothing, a fully charged mobile phone, and basic food and drinking water for longer journeys. Due to snow and wind, it's not uncommon for vehicles to become stranded or for drivers to have to wait several hours on closed road sections.

Summary

Storm Goretti has once again highlighted that extreme weather phenomena can not only cause material damage but also pose significant threats to people's physical safety. The UAE Embassy in London assists its citizens through quick and effective communication, but adhering to local rules and authorities' instructions is each person's responsibility.

In the current situation, the most important actions are to remain calm, exercise caution, and act responsibly for one's own safety and that of others. For UAE citizens, there is the added advantage of receiving continuous support through the Twajudi system and emergency contacts, even when far from home.

(Source of the article: Warning due to Goretti storm.)