Freak storms wreak havoc in usually sunny Doha

DOHA, Dec 13 (Reuters) 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 the 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 some 250 million dollar 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 some 46 millimetres (1.8 inches) of rain fell in the first week of the games. Qatar's meteorological office said 51.2 millimetres 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 155.4 millimetres 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 PDS RN1848