When flash floods and heavy rains hit Ras Al Khaimah last week, the police operations room transformed into a bustling command centre, answering over 20,900 calls in under 10 seconds each. Here is an inside look at how authorities kept residents safe, plus a vital reminder on when to dial 999 versus 901.

RAS AL KHAIMAH – When the skies opened up over the Northern Emirates last week, triggering flash floods and overflowing wadis, the true test of the city's emergency infrastructure began. For the men and women at the Ras Al Khaimah Police operations room, it meant facing a relentless wave of calls from anxious residents and stranded motorists.

The numbers are now in, and they are staggering: a total of 20,939 calls were received during the unstable weather system. Yet, despite the chaos outside, the response inside was nothing short of a masterclass in crisis management.

The 10-Second Lifeline

In emergencies, every second counts. Brigadier Ahmed Saeed Al Mansoori, Director General of Central Operations at RAK Police, revealed that despite the overwhelming volume of reports, the operations room maintained an incredible benchmark.

Every single call was answered within 10 seconds.

Specialised teams worked tirelessly—described by authorities as a "busy beehive"—to direct calls to the relevant departments. Whether it was a flooded street, a stranded vehicle, or a general inquiry, the teams followed up on each case until it was fully resolved, proving that human safety remains the absolute top priority.

Protecting Lives and Livelihoods

The heavy rainfall led to significant challenges, particularly with wadis overflowing across several areas of the emirate. The primary mission for RAK Police was clear:

  • Safeguard public safety and rescue individuals in distress.
  • Protect private and public property from water damage.
  • Ensure the smooth flow of traffic by managing roadblocks and rerouting vehicles away from flooded zones.

Brigadier Al Mansoori emphasized that this massive undertaking was made possible through seamless joint coordination with strategic partners and disaster management authorities, effectively minimizing the impact of the severe weather event.

Praise for the Public's Awareness

It wasn't just the authorities who played a hero's role; the residents did their part too. The Director General took a moment to express his gratitude to the public.

By strictly adhering to the safety instructions and warnings issued by the General Command and the Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management team, residents significantly helped reduce potential losses and property damage. The high level of public awareness allowed first responders to focus on genuine emergencies rather than preventable accidents.

The Golden Rule for Expats: 999 vs 901

As the weather settles, RAK Police issued a crucial reminder for all residents and tourists regarding how to contact authorities during future weather events.

To ensure that the lines remain open for those who truly need immediate rescue, it is vital to know the difference between the hotlines:

  • Dial 999: Strictly for life-threatening emergencies, severe accidents, and immediate rescue requests.
  • Dial 901: For non-emergency inquiries, such as asking about road closures, general weather updates, or police services.

The Bottom Line: The recent storms proved that RAK's emergency teams are fully equipped to handle nature's worst. By working together and using the right emergency channels, residents and authorities can weather any storm.