Malls, roads and homes flood after heavy Qatar rain

This post has been updated to reflect that flooding is widespread in Qatar following today’s rain

Photos by Lesley Walker and Nada Badawi

Heavy downpours across Doha have caused two popular malls in Qatar to leak, and another to shut down completely.

Both Villaggio Mall and Landmark Malls witnessed indoor rain today.

At Villaggio this afternoon, Doha News observed pieces of the ceiling collapsing in front of Patrice salon, as well as flooding near Virgin Megastore, causing its closure.

Part of Khulood Pharmacy also began leaking, and sections of the floor near Paul and Boots Pharmacy were closed off after flooding.

Gondolania closed at Villaggio Mall
Gondolania closed at Villaggio Mall

Other stores that were affected by leaks included H&M and Zara, as well as entertainment zone Gondolania.

Additionally, the entire VIP section was dark and employees could be seen mopping up over there. “Too much rain water,” one guard told Doha News.

Alarms could be heard going off intermittently, and some staff were seen lined up at Carrefour to buy mops.

Despite store closures, many shoppers remained in the mall. Some tried to take photos of the leaks, but were stopped by security guards.

The Peninsula reports that Landmark Mall has also been leaking:

Both malls have had rain troubles in the past.

Meanwhile, Dar Al Salaam mall in Abu Hamour closed this afternoon. An official there told Doha News she hoped the shops would reopen later today, but could not give a time frame.

Shops at Barwa Village have also been leaking, according to residents there.

Road flooding

Qatar forecasters had warned of thundershowers all week, and several government authorities have been coordinating to ward off flooding on the roads.

However, localized flooding was seen on main routes including Al Waab St. and Al Bustan St. this afternoon.

Meanwhile, many side streets in residential areas including Onaiza, Al Azizya, Al Maamoura, Al Messila, Muaither, Barwa City and Najma became waterlogged.

Roads in the Industrial Area were badly flooded too, some residents reported.

Emergency vehicles were deployed on major routes to remove some of the standing water.

And commuters have been sharing photos and videos of flooding across the country:

https://twitter.com/ibrahim_sultan4/status/802469778401193988

https://twitter.com/janithds2cash/status/802472094386647040

This afternoon, the Ministry of Interior warned motorists to drive cautiously through the downpours.

It advised slowing down, avoiding sudden breaking and using indicators (and not hazard lights).

Has the rain affected your Saturday? Thoughts?

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