DUBAI: Heavy rainfall across the United Arab Emirates flooded streets and roads and claimed two lives on Sunday.

Two people were killed and 17 others were injured in a pileup on the Emirates Road on Sunday morning. A bus that was carrying nearly 60 passengers, mostly Indians and Bangladeshis, smashed into a broken down truck on the roadside. The accident took place near vegetable market and the bus was heading toward Sharjah.

Visibility was very poor in many areas because of the downpour.

“The bus driver is in custody and we have launched an investigation,” said Salah Bu Farousha, head of Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution.

Police in Ras Al-Khaimah reported 86 accidents. In Abu Dhabi, two rollover accidents were reported.

“Drivers escaped with minor injuries in both accidents which took place due to skidding,” police sources said.

Meanwhile, the state news agency WAM said three people have been killed in Abu Dhabi alone during the last two days due to rain related traffic accidents.

Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway also witnessed minor to major accidents since morning. However, police were not able to provide an exact number of the accidents and casualties. “The flooded roads caused some cars to pile up and we are investigating it,” said Col. Hamad Al Shamsi, director of Abu Dhabi Traffic Police.

“We are stuck for more than an hour on Sharjah-Dubai Highway” said a regular commuter.

Most of them were trying to get out through alternative routes, but failed to reach office on time. “I started from Sharjah around 7.30 am but reached office around 9.15 am, which was 45 minute late for me, said Shahnaz, an engineer who work in dubai and reside in Sharjah.

The rainfall was higher in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai while temperatures hovered at an average of 24°C on Sunday.

The Meteorological Office recorded more than 60 millimeters of rain in Al Foa, a suburban town in Al Ain, 24.4 millimeters over Jebel Hafeat, and 20 millimeters at Al Ain International Airport. Abu Dhabi has received 33.1 millimeters of rain until Sunday morning.

Sharjah and Ajman police advised beachgoers and fishermen to take extra care as seas are turning rough and high tidal waves are occurring. Sharjah police have already doubled the number of patrols on the streets and squares. Police is ready at all main intersections and highways.

Lt. Col. Ahmad Abdullah Bin Darwish, head of patrol operations management in Sharjah requested drivers to take extra caution and reduce speed.