/ 13 December 2006

Freak storms wreak havoc at Asian Games

Shivering in a corner at Qatar’s al-Sadd Stadium stands security guard Nasser Abdullah, his traditional white robe and headdress no protection against freak weather wreaking havoc at the Asian Games.

The light cotton dishdasha is designed to keep the wearer cool in a Gulf Arab country where summer temperatures can hit 50 degrees Celsius.

But since the start of the Asian Games on December 1, temperatures have fallen as low as 13 degrees and more rain has fallen than the desert state has seen in 40 years.

”I can’t believe how cold it has been,” said Abdullah (28), donning a thick coat over his spotless robe. ”We’re not used to this kind of weather. Maybe one or two days now and then in the winter, but nothing like this. I need a cup of coffee.”

In the run-up to the Asian Games, the biggest concern among residents was whether host nation Qatar would have stadiums and other infrastructure ready in time.

But as the games got under way, it became clear that what the organisers had not bargained for was stormy weather.

Qatar is said to have spent about $250-million on the spectacular opening ceremony alone, but organisers had to cancel some stunts because of high winds and a major downpour.

In the dramatic finale, the emir’s son rode a pure bred Arabian horse up steep stairs. The animal almost slipped and fell from the water-drenched path.

Sporting events were thrown off schedule as about 46mm of rain fell in the first week of the Games. Qatar’s meteorological office said 51,2mm had fallen so far this month.

”It is very unusual for us to see something like this,” said one official, adding that more rain had fallen this month than since December 1964, when a record 155,4mm poured down.

As the Games enter their final days, Qatar is bracing itself for more high winds and showers. The met office has issued a weather advisory saying temperatures are expected to remain in the low teens. — Reuters