Travellers from Oman advised to stay put as Typhoon Nida batters China

Muscat: China announced a state of emergency as Typhoon Nida battered the southern parts of the country and travel agencies advised those travelling to the country from Oman to postpone their plans.
Typhoon Nida forced China to declare a state of emergency in Guangzhou and Guangdong province as the typhoon approached after wreaking havoc in Hong Kong.
“Airlines in general would not risk their passengers’ lives nor their aircraft and staff to fly to areas with a dangerous weather phenomena taking place. They would know beforehand and advise passengers about any changes in flight,” said Usama Al Haremi, Oman Air’s senior corporate communications and media manager, adding that flights to China would most definitely be cancelled for the time being.
“Travellers should always monitor news and weather forecasts for countries, such as China and plan their trip accordingly,” he added.
Backing his claim, Qatar Airways also cancelled their flights from Doha to Hong Kong on August 1 and 2 due to Typhoon Nida.
Travel agents also echoed the advice and called on people to be aware of the weather phenomena.
“People who are planning to travel right now to a destination with the possibility of facing a natural calamity, in this case with Typhoon Nida, should monitor the news and decide whether to go ahead and travel or not,” said a representative from National Travel and Tourism.
Some others also recalled the problems, which developed in Turkey with the coup attempting to destabilise the country and gave similar advice to those who wanted to travel to China.
“My clients’ safety is more important than anything else. I would usually strongly advise my clients against travelling to areas which could cause them harm,” said Arun Raj, manager, holiday division at Fayeda Travel and Tourism.
“I remember our representative in Turkey said it is safe to send travellers there at one point, but I wouldn’t because if I don’t feel comfortable that my clients will be safe, I will advise against travelling,” he added, explaining that Typhoon Nida is a similar story.
“We do advise clients not to travel to a dangerous area, in this case China, because of bad weather. In any case if we feel that they will be harmed in that country, regardless of weather phenomena or the country being dangerous in general, we strongly advise them not to go,” said Aisha Al Habsi, a representative of Alwan Travel and Tourism.
“Of course you will sometimes have people who do not listen to our advice and travel anyway,” she added.