In recent rescue operations, Dubai Police, through Hatta Rescue Teams, successfully rescued five vehicles at risk of being carried away by floodwaters in the valleys of Hatta.
Brigadier Dr Hassan Suhail Al Suwaidi, Commander of the Hatta Sector, confirmed that the Sector, under the directives of His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, had prepared early and was fully ready for the expected adverse weather conditions.
“This preparation was managed and directed by the Resilience Centre in Dubai Police, in cooperation with strategic partners, including the General Directorate of Civil Defense, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the Dubai Health represented by Hatta Hospital, in anticipation of any emergency situations or reports regarding the low-pressure weather system,” he said.
Captain Abdurrahman Burqaibah, Head of Maritime Rescue Section at the Ports Police Station, reported that their marine rescue patrols, while positioned at strategic maritime locations around Hatta in coordination with Hatta Police Station and Land Rescue Teams, noticed four vehicles disregarding repeated advisories to avoid hazardous regions such as valleys and mountains during the rainy weather.
“These vehicles nearly became victims of the rapidly forming floodwaters but were promptly rescued by the swift action of our marine rescue teams, saving them along with their passengers, including two individuals over sixty,” he said.
On the following day, despite clear warnings from the authorities, another vehicle ventured into the mountainous regions and became trapped in a mountain area among Hatta’s valleys due to accumulating water and gravel.
Quick response by both Dubai Police’s marine and land rescue teams, along with police personnel, ensured the vehicle was pulled before any soil erosion could occur, relocating it to a safe zone.
Brigadier Al Suwaidi urged the community to observe the safety warnings issued by the authorities, particularly to avoid valleys, natural waterways, and areas prone to flooding during rainstorms, to ensure their safety and that of their families. He emphasised the importance of not attempting to cross flowing valleys, staying clear of low-lying areas, avoiding open spaces and refraining from using mobile phones or radios in such locations.
