DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Several flights to Dubai were cancelled and diverted Thursday, airport authorities announced, as heavy rains hit the United Arab Emirates for the second time in a month.
An airport authority spokesperson said five inbound flights were diverted overnight, while nine arriving and four departing flights were cancelled.
In April, heavy thunderstorms dumped the heaviest rains ever recorded in the UAE in a span of hours, flooding portions of major highways and Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel and a hub for the long-haul carrier Emirates. The airport ended up needing 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to get water off its grounds.
Authorities warned residents to stay home ahead of Thursday’s rain, announcing that they should work remotely, and that schools will hold classes online.
Although Thursday’s rain did not cause major problems or flooding, authorities still issued warnings on Wednesday and took precautions.
The flooding two weeks ago quickly overwhelmed the UAE’s drainage systems, flooded out neighborhoods, business districts and even portions of the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Highway, which links Dubai and the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi. Many residents lost their belongings when their homes flooded, and many cars were destroyed.
FILE - An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, seen on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on April 18, 2024. Dubai Airports announced on Thursday, May 2, the cancelation and diversion of flights due to unsettled weather conditions in the United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike, File)
ROME (AP) — Marcus Thuram scored twice and defending champion Inter Milan routed Hellas Verona 5-0 to take the provisional Serie A lead on Saturday.
Inter moved two points clear of Napoli, which hosts Roma on Sunday with a chance to reclaim the lead. Atalanta could also move level on points with Inter with a victory at Parma later.
Inter was missing top striker Lautaro Martinez, who was out sick. But five goals in the first half made Lautaro’s absence a non-issue.
Joaquin Correa opened the scoring 17 minutes in, Thuram then scored twice before more goals from Stefan de Vrij and Yann Aurel Bisseck.
Correa nearly added another in second-half stoppage time but his effort hit the woodwork.
Inter's only loss across all competitions this season was a derby defeat to AC Milan in September.
Milan was hosting Juventus later.
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Inter Milan's Stefan de Vrij, left, celebrates scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and Inter Milan at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, in Verona, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)
Inter Milan's Joaquin Correa celebrates scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and Inter Milan at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, in Verona, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)
Inter Milan's Joaquin Correa celebrates scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and Inter Milan at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, in Verona, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)
Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram, left, celebrates scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and Inter Milan at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, in Verona, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)
Inter Milan's Joaquin Correa celebrates scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and Inter Milan at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, in Verona, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)
Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram, left, celebrates with his teammate Joaquin Correa after scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and Inter Milan at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, in Verona, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)
Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram scores during the Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and Inter Milan at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, in Verona, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)