In a significant shift for urban planning in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recent research conducted by Naeema Alhosani from the Geography and Urban Sustainability Department at the United Arab Emirates University reveals alarming trends in flood risks for Al Ain City. The study, published in ‘Geomatics, Natural Hazards & Risk’, underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of infrastructure resilience in the face of increasingly extreme weather patterns.
The research examines four extreme rainfall events in Al Ain between 2007 and 2020, utilizing data from 11 rain gauges and three satellite precipitation products. These events shattered previous rainfall records, with some areas receiving up to 195.7 mm of rain and intensities reaching a staggering 175 mm/hr. Alhosani notes, “Despite the low runoff ratios observed, the flooding in urban areas was significant, highlighting the vulnerability of our infrastructure to rapid urban expansion and intense rainfall.”
The implications of this study extend far beyond environmental concerns; they pose a direct challenge to the construction sector in the UAE. As urban areas continue to expand, the need for robust infrastructure that can withstand such extreme weather becomes critical. The research indicates that even areas with high infiltration rates can experience severe flooding, which could lead to costly damages and operational disruptions for businesses.
Using the fully distributed, physically based GSSHA hydrologic model, the study simulated runoff from these rainfall events, providing a detailed analysis of how water flows through urban landscapes. This level of insight is invaluable for construction professionals, who must design buildings and infrastructure with these new flood risks in mind. Alhosani emphasizes, “Mitigation strategies must be integrated into our urban planning processes to enhance resilience and ensure the safety of residents and infrastructure.”
The findings also highlight the discrepancies between satellite precipitation estimates and actual rainfall data, a critical factor for engineers and planners who rely on accurate weather forecasting for project management. With some satellite products underestimating rainfall, construction projects may be inadequately prepared for sudden weather changes, leading to potential financial losses and safety hazards.
As the UAE grapples with the realities of climate change, the research advocates for comprehensive strategies that not only address immediate flood risks but also consider long-term sustainability. This could involve revising building codes, investing in advanced drainage systems, and enhancing green spaces to absorb rainfall.
In summary, Alhosani’s research serves as a wake-up call for the construction industry in Al Ain and beyond. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the time has come for stakeholders in the construction sector to prioritize flood resilience in their projects. As Alhosani aptly puts it, “Adapting to our dynamic climate is not just an option; it is a necessity for safeguarding our urban areas from future extreme weather events.”
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