Wednesday 20 / November / 2024
Muscat: At least 45 people in Muscat were evacuated by rescue services after heavy rains caused flooding in parts of the capital.
A low-pressure trough over northern Oman has brought plenty of rainfall to many areas in the country, leading to overflowing wadis, debris across many roads, and vehicles and buildings becoming inundated with water.
Teams from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CAA) were called in to take 35 people from Al Ghubra to safety, as well as another five in Bausher and northern Al Hail.
All of those who have been evacuated are in good health. The low pressure trough is expected to last until Wednesday, 5 December, and public safety organisations have asked for people to remain wary and not risk going into flood-prone areas until then.
There is expected to be “chances of rain, with occasional thundershowers associated with fresh winds, flash floods, hail, and wadis,” said the Civil Aviation Authority, adding that the peak of this weather phenomenon was experienced on Tuesday.
As a result of this low-pressure trough, cloudy weather and rainfall have been experienced across several parts of the country, including Musandam, North and South Al Batinah, Muscat, Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, Ad Dakhiliyah, and South and North Al Sharqiyah.
Both the CDAA and the Royal Oman Police have issued advice on how people can navigate the rains when they venture out.
“Avoid walking across a water-course if the water is above knee-level,” advised the CDAA. “Avoid getting information from unofficial sources and follow the weather forecasts of the concerned authorities.
“In case you are caught in a wadi, get out of your car, stand on top of it, and wait until you are rescued,” added the organisation. “Do not cross wadis even if the water level is low.” Those who require emergency assistance are requested to call 9999 or 2434-3666.
The Royal Oman Police, meanwhile, had been tending to roads affected by flooding and/or debris caused by the rains.
“Be sure to park your vehicle in a safe space, away from wadis and low-lying areas, and avoid objects that could fly due to strong winds,” advised ROP.
Among the roads affected were the Buraimi-Wajajah road, owing to the overflow of Wadi Al Qahfi, and the Wadi Adai road that leads to Wilayat Amerat, which was affected by debris.
Notifications were also issued for the Azaiba section of Sultan Qaboos Street, where traffic was temporarily halted.
“When driving in the rain, use the main headlights in low beam so that the area in front of you can be clearly seen, and you are visible to others,” said ROP in a traffic advisory issued for people driving during inclement weather. “The Traffic Law has permitted the use of additional lights as searchlights, in light of the low-level horizontal visibility to preserve the safety of road users.
“Be sure to check the windshield wipers regularly to ensure they work in the rain,” added the police. “The rubber blades of wipers can be damaged by weather factors such as rain and heat, as well as dirt, which could reduce its functional efficiency.
“The first few drops of rain are danger signs that require you to slow down and take extra care,” explained ROP. “Vehicles may lose their stability on the road. At speeds exceeding 60 km/hr, water accumulates between the vehicle’s tires and the surface of the road. Keep your focus while on flooded roads.”
