Public Authority for Civil Aviation praised for handling of Cyclone Mekunu

Energy Saturday 23/June/2018 22:35 PM
By: Times News Service
Public Authority for Civil Aviation praised for handling of Cyclone Mekunu

Muscat: The Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) received a letter of appreciation from the World Meteorological Organisiation (WMO), for Oman’s role in dealing with Cylcone Mekunu.
In a statement, PACA said: “The Sultanate received a letter of appreciation from WMO for its rule in dealing with the exceptional climate conditions, and to mitigate its effects through plans, in accordance with international standards.”
The recognition came after Cyclone Mekunu ravaged the country in May. Petteri Taalas, the Secretary General of the WMO, referred to the distinguished experience of Oman, working through their integrated systems, in cooperation and harmony among all parties, as well as transmitting alerts.
He stressed that the Omani experience will remain an excellent example for many countries that are exposed to tropical cyclones, as well as policy makers.
“The speech also praised the role played by PACA through the activation of contingency plans at the National Centre for Early Warning of Multiple Risks, with efficient coordination with other sectors in the country,” it added.
On this occasion, Mohamad Al Zaabi, the chairman of PACA, said, “Such tributes are a testimony to the Sultanate’s progress under the wise leadership of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed.”
He added that the national integrated system, which operates under one agency, the National Committee of Civil Defense, played a large role in dealing with Cyclone Mekunu to limit its impact on the country.
Al Zaabi praised the role of the National Centre for Early Warning of Multiple Risks, in carefully following-up the development of Mekunu, and its coordination with the PACA department in Dhofar.
He also praised the PACA staff and its national members for their role in reducing the impact of the cyclone.
Its noted that the WMO has 191 members, and Oman in 1975. WMO has been very effective during cyclones, which is reflected in accurately forecasting in various languages.