Ten lessons from Dubai flooding event

Dubai’s lack of awareness about the flood risk it faces can be attributed to several factors.

First, the city is not traditionally prone to heavy rainfall and flooding because of its arid climate. Consequently, infrastructure and urban planning may not have accounted for such extreme weather events. Additionally, rapid urbanisation and development may have outpaced the city’s ability to adapt and implement adequate flood prevention measures. Flood insurance too, while available, is often not bought by the public.

What can be done to minimise the risk of future flooding, based on a “prepare, act and prevent” approach?

Investment in infrastructure: Dubai’s rapid urbanisation and expansion have strained its infrastructure, leading to drainage systems that may not adequately cope with heavy rainfall. Investing in resilient infrastructure, such as improved drainage networks and flood barriers, is crucial to reducing the impact of flooding.

Enhanced forecasting technologies: traditional weather forecasting methods may not always accurately predict extreme weather events like the heavy rainfall that caused Dubai’s flooding. Furthermore, weather forecasts warn the level of rain heightens the risk of flooding in a wide geographic area and does not forecast where flooding is predicted to occur. By leveraging advanced technologies, such as real-time data analysis and internet of things sensors, Previsco delivers accurate and timely flood forecasts, allowing authorities to take proactive measures to protect lives and property. This has been proven to work in flood-prone areas like Devon in the UK.

Community engagement and education: many residents and businesses in Dubai may not have been adequately prepared for the possibility of flooding. Community engagement and education initiatives can raise awareness about flood risks and provide guidance on preparedness measures, such as securing property and creating emergency plans.

Integration of climate change considerations: climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including flooding. It is essential to integrate climate change considerations into urban planning and development strategies, particularly in a historically dry place such as Dubai, ensuring infrastructure and policies are resilient to future climate scenarios.

Collaboration and co-ordination: effective flood management requires collaboration and co-ordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organisations and community groups. By working together and sharing resources and expertise, we can enhance our collective ability to respond to and recover from flooding events.

Climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including flooding. It is essential to integrate climate change considerations into urban planning and development strategies, ensuring infrastructure and policies are resilient to future climate scenarios

Investment in research and innovation: continued investment in research and innovation is essential for developing new technologies and solutions to address the challenges posed by flooding. This includes the development of flood-resistant building materials, innovative drainage systems and predictive modelling tools.

Adoption of nature-based solutions: nature-based solutions, such as green infrastructure and wetland creation, can help absorb excess rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding. This would be challenging in Dubai, but integrating these approaches into urban planning would enhance flood resilience while also providing additional environmental benefits.

Resilience planning for critical infrastructure: critical infrastructure, such as power plants, hospitals and transportation networks, must be resilient to flooding to ensure the continued functioning of essential services during and after an event. Implementing resilience measures, such as flood-proofing and redundancy planning, can minimise disruptions and save lives.

Preparedness and response exercises: regular preparedness and response exercises, including simulations and drills, can help authorities and emergency responders refine their procedures and identify areas for improvement. Also, raising public awareness about flood risks and promoting community preparedness can enhance the city’s overall resilience. These exercises are essential for ensuring a co-ordinated and effective response to flooding events.

Long-term planning and adaptation: flooding is a complex and evolving challenge that requires long-term planning and adaptation strategies, which may involve revising building codes to ensure flood-resistant construction. By incorporating flexibility and adaptive management principles into our planning processes, we can better respond to changing flood risks and uncertainties.

Insurers also have a vital role to play in this, as despite best efforts it will never be possible to mitigate all flood risk. In Dubai, where flood insurance is already widely available, but there is low penetration, the focus may shift towards ensuring the adequacy, afford­ability and awareness of existing insurance products in light of recent flood events.

The recent flooding in Dubai serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive flood management and preparedness. By implementing the lessons learned from this event and investing in a resilient infrastructure, advanced forecasting technologies and community engagement, we can build more flood-resilient cities and communities for the future.

Jonathan Jackson is chief executive of Previsico