An unprecedented wave of rain has transformed the streets of Dubai into urban rivers in recent days, causing a crisis never seen before in the desert nation, known for its arid and dry climate. But now there are those who are suspicious about the possible cause of the devastating floods: cloud-seeding, a meteorological technology that has been widely adopted in the country for years. In the United Arab Emirates, where temperatures can reach unsustainable levels, cloud-seeding is considered an innovative solution to increase scarce rainfall and replenish underground water reserves. This technique involves the use of aircraft that disperse salt particles into clouds to stimulate rain.
Analysis of flight tracking data, conducted by the Associated Press, indicates that a plane usually used in these operations flew over the country in the days preceding the flood. The meteorological situation took a dramatic turn on Monday night, with rainfall reaching an all-time record: the annual average is 9.5 cm of rain, with 14.2 cm of rain falling in 24 hours on Tuesday alone. The Emirates National Center of Meteorology (NCM), quoted by the British «Daily Mail», initially denied cloud-seeding operations immediately before the storm – “The whole point of cloud seeding is to target clouds in their early stages , therefore before precipitation occurs. Carrying out insemination activities during a very strong storm would prove completely useless” – despite confirming activities on Sunday and Monday. This has fueled speculation and debate about how much human intervention may have contributed to the disaster.
Experts in the field argue that although cloud-seeding can increase seasonal rainfall by 10-30%, it is not enough to justify such floods. Critics and commentators have instead pointed the finger at the metropolis’ inadequate drainage infrastructure. Despite investments in advanced technologies, Dubai found itself unprepared to manage such a volume of water, highlighting significant vulnerability in the city’s urban fabric. The repercussions of the floods were immediate and severe: Dubai International Airport, a crucial hub for global air traffic, was forced to temporarily close. Passengers were left stranded, with flights canceled or delayed and air traffic at a standstill. And the controversy over weather control techniques continues on social media.
Tags: Dubai suspicions cloudseeding flood Controversy incredible rains Tempo
