Remembering the Day 570 People Were Trapped for 15 Hours by Jebel Jais Flash Floods Six Years Ago

On April 13, 2019, approximately 300 vehicles transporting around 570 individuals were trapped on Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE, due to heavy rainfall affecting the region. In reaction, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a flash flood warning that remained active until 11:30 AM on April 14.

Emergency services acted quickly; rescue teams were mobilized, and officials monitored the situation closely. The NCM released photos and videos showcasing the flash floods in various valleys throughout the country, where torrents of rainwater created dramatic waterfalls down the mountains.

One of the stranded individuals, Saif Ul Hasan from Ras Al Khaimah, recounted the experience to a local media outlet, stating that the rain continued without a break throughout the day. “People were stuck. The access road to the peak became impassable due to the rising water. The scene was alarming, and everyone was advised to steer clear of areas prone to flash flooding. Vehicles had to turn back as the floodwaters spread,” he recounted.

The severe weather extended beyond Jebel Jais, with significant rainfall reported in various locations across the UAE. Affected areas included Al Adalah, Al Shawamekh, Al Dhafra, Madinat Zayed, and Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi; Al Faqah in Al Ain; Hatta and Margham in Dubai; Al Dhaid and Al Manama in Sharjah; as well as Masafi, Al Tawain in Fujairah, and Falaj Al Mualla in Umm Al Quwain.

Due to the deluge, roads leading to Jebel Jais became completely inaccessible. Strong winds initially hindered aerial rescue operations, leaving many residents with no option but to wait for improved weather conditions.

At dawn on April 14, following a prolonged wait of roughly 15 hours on Jebel Jais, about 570 individuals were successfully rescued by the Ras Al Khaimah Police.

Major-General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, the General Commander of the RAK Police, informed media that 400 individuals, including families and children, were transported in police vehicles, while 170 individuals were airlifted by helicopters.

While all 300 vehicles remained abandoned along the mountain, the rescued individuals were taken to a hotel in the emirate for their safety.

The rescue efforts were supported by police from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with some residents acknowledging the role of local media in raising awareness about the situation.

Saif Ul Hasan expressed gratitude to the local media for alerting the RAK Police to the crisis, especially since families with children were among those trapped. He and his family remained stuck on Jebel Jais from 3 PM on April 13 until 6 AM the following day.

Azhar Ahmed, another resident of Ras Al Khaimah, recounted how the RAK Police provided food, water, and lighting to ensure the stranded individuals’ safety and comfort. “We felt secure and well looked after,” he remarked.

Mirza Ata, a visitor from Dubai at the time, shared details about how the flooding had eroded parts of the road, necessitating air evacuation as the only viable option. “Young people assisted families and children to board the helicopters first. Evacuations were conducted in groups of 20,” he shared.

Major-General Al Nuaimi confirmed that the authorities were able to coordinate with those trapped on the mountain and in surrounding valleys. “All necessary food, water, and medical supplies were secured and distributed to them, while they were advised to remain in their locations until rescues could be executed,” he explained.

Ultimately, all individuals were brought to safety as authorities worked diligently to aid those stranded.