FLOODED. An area in Al Barsha, Dubai is flooded following heavy rains that hit the United Arab Emirates on April 16, 2024. The Department of Migrant Workers on Thursday (April 18) announced that no Filipinos were hurt or died in the massive floodings in the UAE and Oman. (Photo courtesy of Elisa Villena, OFW)
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers on Thursday announced that no overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and in Oman were reportedly hurt or died because of the unprecedented heavy rains that hit the region, causing severe flooding.
In an advisory, the DMW said its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are working closely with the Philippine Embassy and Consulate General to monitor the situation of Filipino workers in the affected areas.
They are also in touch and working with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Filipino communities to assist the OFWs.
“The Migrant Workers’ Offices (MWOs) and Overseas Workers Welfare Offices (OWWAs) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are preparing to distribute relief goods, basic necessities, and other essential items to OFW communities in Al Ain and Dubai,” the advisory reads.
“In Oman, the seriously affected areas are villages with no OFWs,” it added.
In an interview on Thursday, Dubai-based OFW Elisa Villena said workers were told to work from home since Tuesday as part of necessary measures to ensure safety for all.
"Hindi naman kami masyadong naapektuhan dahil since Tuesday, naka work from home na kami. Super traffic lang kasi marami pa ring saradong daan due to flood, pero ligtas naman kaming lahat (We were not affected much because we were already told to work from home since Tuesday. The only problem now is the enormous traffic since many roads remain unpassable due to flood, but we are all safe)," she told the Philippine News Agency.
Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Wednesday reported that the historic weather event has brought the heaviest rainfall in UAE since 1949, and has affected numerous regions across the country.
The National Centre of Meteorology reported that the highest rainfall was recorded in the “Khatm Al Shakla” area in Al Ain.
Dubai International Airport advised passengers not to come to the airport, except those who have confirmed departures. (PNA)
