Sunday 24 / November / 2024
Muscat: Oman’s military and police forces are playing an active role in providing relief to people affected by cyclone Shaheen, as well as taking the lead in rebuilding roads, clearing debris, and restoring basic services.
With many areas still inaccessible by road, owing to treacherous conditions on the ground, helicopters from the Royal Air Force of Oman are transporting food supplies to affected people, with the support of the Royal Army of Oman and the Omani Organisation for Charitable Activities.
Where roads are passable, ground units have been rolling in on trucks to provide food and basic supplies to people, the Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.
“The Sultan’s Special Forces provided, transported and distributed the necessary food and supplies to the villages in Wilayat of Suwaiq in the North Al Batinah Governorate, within the framework of the national efforts provided by the Sultan’s Armed Forces for harnessing their national resources and capabilities,” said ONA.
This is in cooperation with other government institutions, and is within the plans to deal with the repercussions of the cyclone, which is being implemented by the military subcommittees of the governorates of North and South Al Batinah.
Moreover, the Engineering Services of the Ministry of Defence are supporting national efforts to restore electricity in the Wilayat of Al Khaboura in the North Al Batinah Governorate and provide the necessary support to Majan Electricity Company to repair and rebuild power lines that were affected by Shaheen.
The Royal Army of Oman is also continuing its efforts to construct, pave, and reopen damaged roads in North Al Batinah to restore traffic over the northern sections of the country.
Working side by side with them is the Royal Oman Police, who has embarked on 178 aerial missions since the end of weather effects directly related to Shaheen.
“These varied between ambulance, evacuation, rescue, transportation of people, deploying specialised technical teams, and transportation of supplies,” said the ROP in a statement. “Efforts are being made to alleviate the suffering of those affected and restore life to normal. May God protect Oman and its honourable people.”
“No matter how severe the circumstances, we will remain smiling in the face of adversity,” added the ROP.
The base of operations to provide relief and reconstruction efforts are located at the temporary communications operations centre at the Royal Oman Police Station in the wilayat of Suwaiq.
Personnel located there continue to coordinate and follow-up with all of the sectors involved in efforts to restore basic services, repair damage and provide aid and assistance to citizens and residents in the affected states.
“We are working hard to remove all damage and impact caused by the tropical cyclone Shaheen, and restore services little by little to get the situation back to normal,” added the National Committee for Emergency Management.
