Heavy rains disrupt air traffic in Qatar

High rainfall over Qatar since Saturday, October 20, has had a significant impact on Doha Airport. It would have fallen the equivalent of from one year of rainfall in a single day. Roads and airports have been disrupted.

Unprecedented rainfall in Qatar

Severe thunderstorms caused winds and heavy rain over Qatar on October 19 and 20, 2018, causing severe flooding
all over the country. Steff Gaulter, meteorologist for the television channel « Al Jazeera », reported on Twitter that part of the capital, Doha, had experienced rainfall equivalent to one year’s rainfall. It was estimated that 61 mm of rain fell while for the whole year it was a maximum of 77 mm.

Tough traffic and very disrupted airport

Roads have become impassable, and houses flooded, while shops and universities have been closed. Qatar authorities have warned drivers to avoid tunnels due to flooding. Social media reports showed that cars were almost completely submerged under water after the storms in Doha. Air traffic has been very disrupted.

Many hijackings

Qatar Airways was forced to divert some flights. The exercise must not have been easy because its neighbours, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, are among the states that do not allow Doha to use their airspace. As a result, some flights were directed to Kuwait and Iran until Doha airport could operate normally.

High rainfall again yesterday Monday, October 22nd

Heavy rainfall hit the country on 21 October and continued on Monday 22 October. The airline has warned its passengers to expect additional problems. It is recommended to check the status of the flight before arriving at the airport. Images of the storm can be viewed at: twitter.com/Mnz_mlk04

Serge Fabre