Dubai’s recent flooding event, which caused significant damage on April 16th, has sparked a debate about the use of cloud seeding technology in the weather community. While some media outlets have accused cloud seeding operations conducted by Dubai as the potential cause of the floods, experts from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) stated that such operations were carried out a few days before the heavy rainfall.
The effects of the flooding were widespread, with schools closing, underground car parks being flooded, and transportation services being disrupted. The Dubai International Airport also faced severe operational impacts, with flights being diverted or delayed by several hours. Similar flooding also affected Abu Dhabi’s capital city and resulted in a tragic incident that claimed a man’s life in Ras Al Khaimah due to flash floods.
Meteorologists and climate scientists have emphasized the role of human-caused climate change in heavy rainfall events like these. Although cloud seeding technology was brought into discussion, experts pointed out that it has limitations and may not have played a significant role in UAE’s recent flooding event. Cloud seeding technology aims to influence rainfall by introducing particles into clouds but has its limitations and may not be comprehensive enough to address extreme weather events like these.
Despite the controversy surrounding cloud seeding technology’s effectiveness, its use continues to be debated within the scientific community. The method of introducing particles into clouds to promote rain has been used since 1940 and is employed by cities like Dubai since 2002. While it may increase rainfall slightly, its overall impact is relatively small compared to other factors such as climate change’s convergence of three low-pressure systems that generate intense storms.
As cities like Dubai face challenges related to excessive rainfall, adapting urban infrastructure to climate change becomes increasingly important. The recent flooding event in Dubai highlights how vulnerable cities are to extreme weather events and emphasizes creating resilient infrastructure solutions that can withstand such occurrences.
In conclusion, while cloud seeding technology may have some role in influencing rainfall, it is not a comprehensive solution for addressing extreme weather events caused by human-caused climate change on urban areas like Dubai’s capital city. As cities continue to face challenges related to excessive rainfall, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that can adapt urban infrastructure to mitigate these impacts effectively.
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