Many areas are now accessible only by boats, with volunteers using kayaks to deliver essential supplies to people trapped in buildings due to accumulated waters
Large parts of Sharjah are still grappling with flooded buildings and streets, and now residents are gripped with health concerns from stagnant water after Tuesday’s (April 16) torrential rains.
Residents navigate roads using makeshift boats and rafts as these waters are contaminated with sewage, emitting a foul odour that compounds the distress of thousands trapped in their homes.
Volunteers have shown remarkable resilience over the past three days, using kayaks, dinghy and rafts to deliver food, water, medicine and other essentials to people in need. Despite ongoing efforts to drain floodwaters, progress has been slow.
Mohammad Essam from Egypt, a resident of Al Wahda Street, paints a grim picture of his family’s plight on the 9th floor. Without power, the possibility of communication stops in a fraction of a second as resources continue to dwindle, including a broken power bank.
“His wife, young children and visiting parents are trapped and will soon be completely isolated,” he said.
Zainab Nizar, 18, describes a similar ordeal her family went through on the fourth floor of their apartment in Al Majaz 2, near Jamal Abdul Nasir Street.
The Indian expatriates struggled against the odds for three agonizing days before deciding to wade through waist-deep, foul-smelling water to seek refuge at their aunt’s house. “It wasn’t easy to get out, especially with three young siblings,” she said.
Nivedita, 17, who lives with her parents near Majaz Park, said she was asked by the building management to use water sparingly as the water might run out soon. Told. “This is a volatile situation,” she said.
Mohammad Ubaid, 55, a father of two who lives on the 21st floor of Maysa 2 Tower in Al Qassimya, said he was stranded when the elevator broke down despite having electricity and running water.
I recently had heart surgery and am unable to walk down the stairs.” Mr. Ubaid expressed his gratitude for the assistance during this difficult time, adding,Thankfully, on Saturday, volunteers and support staff were available to They provided us with food,” he added. Like my son collects. ”
A volunteer in the RainSupport WhatsApp group said he delivered six rubber boats to relief workers last night, along with other supplies. “Providing food is important, but it’s difficult to reach communities that can only be accessed by boat. So we bought some and packed them with other relief supplies,” he explained.
Earlier, Sharjah Municipality announced its efforts to alleviate the impact of heavy rainfall, deploying 65 community service patrols to affected areas. The authority employed all available resources, including its vehicle fleet, to minimise damage and ensure resident safety.
Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director-General of Sharjah Municipality, declared a state of emergency to manage the situation effectively, Wam reported. He emphasised proactive measures, such as deploying field teams and patrols to aid affected families and stranded individuals, clearing obstructed vehicles, and supporting vulnerable groups within the community.