Five companies are under investigation after heavy rains exposed poor construction at large infrastructure projects including Doha’s $17bn airport, according to the state-run Qatar News Agency.

The probe has been launched by Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, who also serves as interior minister.

The report in Qatar News Agency said that “parties responsible for dereliction or negligence, whether governmental or private, will be held accountable”.

Heavy rain caused extensive flooding at Doha’s Hamad international airport.

The downpour also blocked several roads in Doha and closed schools and malls.