Qatar: Doha floods months before World Cup set to begin

Floods have swept the streets of Doha following heavy rains on Thursday, bringing parts of the capital of Qatar to a standstill only four months before the 2022 World Cup is scheduled to start there.

Social media videos show inundated streets and near-submerged cars close to World Cup structures.

People took to Twitter to criticise the quality of the capital's infrastructure in a country that will be hosting the world's biggest sports event in November. 

Some accused the authorities and contractors of corruption and inaction to address the poor quality of  Doha's infrastructure even as preparations have disrupted people's lives over the past years. 

Initially, the football event was supposed to start in July, but it was moved to November because Qatar was considered too hot during the summer. It is the first tournament not to be held in May, June or July.

Qatar 2022 is also the first World Cup to be held in the region. Upon the announcement in 2010 that the event would take place in the Gulf emirate, FIFA - world football's governing body - and Qatar’s bidding team had to address issues around heat and humidity.

The host country said it was committed to focusing on air-conditioned venues that would keep players and spectators away from Qatar's scorching heat.

July is usually a dry month in Qatar, with temperatures hitting an average of 36C.

This article is available in French on Middle East Eye French edition.