April 16, 2021, was a day that many residents in the UAE will never forget. Farheen S., an Indian expat living in Al Nahda, was one of the thousands of individuals impacted by the unprecedented rain and flooding that occurred on that day. She vividly recalls the moment when water gushed through her ceiling, soaking everything in her apartment. With her one-year-old son in tow, she quickly evacuated the house, leaving behind most of their belongings. Since then, Farheen has been living in different places, including a friend’s house and a hotel apartment, as they wait for their new accommodation to be ready.
Farheen considers herself fortunate to have a caring landlord who has offered them alternate apartments in their other properties for the same rent. The company has also promised to compensate them for the loss of their property, although the sentimental value of their possessions cannot be replaced. The whole experience has left Farheen wary of living on the ground floor again, as she witnessed the devastation caused by the flooding in the lower units of her building.
Another resident, Marrita, who was pregnant at the time of the floods, recounts the challenges they faced living on the 12th floor without electricity. When she and her family fell ill, they had to navigate the flooded building to seek medical attention. The ordeal taught Marrita to be more cautious about choosing their next living space, opting to stay below the fifth floor to avoid any future inconvenience in case of flooding.
On the other hand, Mohammed Naseef, a resident of Al Furjan, was more prepared for the floods due to his previous experience in dealing with a similar situation in Kerala during the 2018 floods. He took precautions as soon as the heavy rains began and managed to safeguard his vehicle, family, and belongings from the impending disaster. Naseef’s proactive approach also extended to fostering stronger community ties within his building, as residents banded together to address their concerns and needs in the aftermath of the floods.
The aftermath of the floods has prompted residents like Naseef to invest in practical items like a mosquito bat to combat the increase in mosquitoes breeding in water ponds around their community. Such initiatives highlight the resilience and adaptability of individuals in the face of unexpected challenges. While the memories of the April 16 floods may linger for a long time, they have also served as valuable lessons for residents to be better prepared and united in times of crisis. The shared experience has brought communities closer, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support that will continue to benefit residents in the future.
