Wednesday 24 / April / 2024
Muscat: Oman's rescue and emergency services have asked people to not risk their lives and the lives of those accompanying them by driving into wadis that are filled with running water after rains.
With many parts of the Sultanate receiving rain over the past few days and more expected to do so in the coming days, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has already had to take action against wadi drifters, with clips of one such incident being widely circulated on social media.
The video shows an SUV driver trying to desperately drive across, even as a tidal wave overpowers the car and sweeps it away. Bystanders are seen shouting and chasing the vehicle.
"Referring to this video clip from the Wadi Muharam area in Samail, the Oman police explains that the person was caught and that the legal procedures governing this area will be taken against him."
"The ROP calls upon everyone to abide by the laws and not to cross wadis," the ROP went on to say.
According to Oman's traffic laws, deliberately entering a wadi in such situations is an offence punishable by a hefty fine and a jail sentence.
"Stop and do not take this risk!" warned the police. "If the driver of the vehicle deliberately crosses a wadi, endangering his life or the lives of passengers with him, or any others, he shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of not more than three months and a fine of OMR500 or one of these two penalties, according to Article 8/49 of the Traffic Law."
"Dear citizens and residents, the risk of crossing wadis while they are running puts your life and the lives of others at risk, and it brings you to legal accountability, so guide yourself to good behaviour and become role models for others," added the police.
To prevent actions like this in future, the Royal Oman Police and Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) have already deployed patrols and rescue teams in areas close to wadis.
"As part of the efforts of the police leadership in the province of Buraimi, the stationing of police patrols on roads, at wadis and at reefs after the rain in the province this afternoon is underway," added the ROP. "Drivers are advised to be careful while driving in the rain and not to risk crossing wadis."
‘Khareef downpour can pose risk’
Similar precautions have been taken by PACDA as well in the wake of rains in the khareef season.
"Department of Civil Defence and Ambulance rescue teams are present in the governorate of Buraimi to secure the path of crossing the Sharm wadi in the wilayat of Muhaddah during the rains and flow of wadis in the wilayat," said PACDA officials.
With the Khareef season, characterised by abundant rainfall and full wadis, PACDA are also taking efforts to make people aware of the dangers of wadi drifting in Dhofar.
"We are continuing the efforts of the Department of Civil Defence and Ambulance in the governorate of Dhofar to educate visitors and secure various tourist sites," added PACDA.
Poor visibility
In addition, the police has also been issuing warnings in the wake of poor weather in some areas across Oman.
"There is a marked decrease in the horizontal visibility of the Batinah Expressway, the Directorate General of Traffic exercises caution while driving. To the drivers of vehicles, be careful and take all precautions when low visibility levels are present."
