Wednesday 15 / January / 2025
Muscat: Emergency services across Oman are prepared to handle any consequences that might arise from the upcoming rough weather due to the tropical conditions currently developing over parts of the country.
On Sunday, two citizens drowned in the Wilayat of Rustaq. “The Authority’s Operations Enter received a report about the drowning of two citizens in Wadi Al-Himli in Rustaq. They were rescued by citizens, and taken to the hospital, but they died en route,” the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), said in a statement.
Hammoud bin Mohammed Al Mandhari, the coordinator of the Relief and Shelter Sector at the National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM), told Times of Oman that emergency committees have been activated in all the governorates of Oman, with focus on four areas that may face the strongest impact of the rough weather.
“Along with regular follow ups on the tropical conditions, special attention has been accorded to the governorates of North and South Al Sharqiyah, Al Dhahirah, and Muscat,” he said.
“Internal preparations to deal with the tropical situation have been made, and there is no danger expected from the current weather situation, as it will only lead to rainfall over most of the governorates of Oman. Preparations have been made in case of any emergency situation, particularly in South Al Sharqiyah, which lies on the coast of Oman and will face the direct impact of the tropical conditions.”
Six shelters have been prepared in South Al Sharqiyah: Two in Al Khor, one in Ras Al Hadd, one in Masirah, one in Al Ashkarah and one in Jalan Bani Bu Ali.
“The current weather conditions are, however, less dangerous than the ones we faced before and during the Eid Al Adha holiday,” added Al Mandhari.
"The amount of rain at that time was higher than compared to the current predictions.”
Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said on Sunday that cloud cover over most of the country means there would be chances of rain with varying intensity over North and South Al Sharqiyah, Muscat and Al Wusta, which in turn could lead to the filling up of some wadis.
The rainfall (expected to be between 10 and 40mm) is likely to be accompanied by winds ranging between 10 and 30 knots, along with a probable decrease in visibility. The seas are also expected to be rough along the coasts of the Arabian Sea.
On Monday and Tuesday, the cloud cover is expected to spread to more parts of Oman, leading to significant rainfall between 10 and 30mm over South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta, while scattered showers are expected over Muscat, North Al Sharqiyah, Al Dakhillyah, South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah, Ad Dhahirah and the Buraimi governorates.
As a result of the weather, seawater is expected to invade some low-lying areas in the country, with the heights of waves reaching up to four meters on the open sea. Winds ranging from 20 to 40 knots are also expected.
On Sunday morning, the subcommittees tasked for managing emergency situations met in their respective governorates to assess the potential impact of the tropical depression, the Royal Oman Police said in a statement.
“The committees were briefed on the latest predictions related to the tropical situation and its potential impact, while the readiness and preparedness of all sectors was reviewed and the state of alertness was raised to mitigate the expected damage,” said ROP.
The Civil Aviation Authority also advised people to take the necessary precautions during the rains, to avoid going near wadis, and to check the state of the sea before going sailing or going near coastal areas. Regular weather bulletins will be issued.
The Directorate General of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources in Musandam Governorate also called on farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers and fishermen to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their properties.
