Dams in Mahdha retain 3.3 million cubic metres of water

Muscat: The dams of the Wilayat of Mahdha in Al Buraimi Governorate retained 3.3 million cubic meters of water during the recent weather conditions.

Rain stations affiliated with the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Al Buraimi Governorate witnessed record amounts of rain during the weather conditions that the Sultanate of Oman experienced. Engineer Zayed bin Khalifa Al Jabri, Head of the Department of Agricultural Development and Water Resources in the Wilayat of Mahdha, said: “The quantities of water held by the dams in the Wilayat of Mahdha in the Al Buraimi Governorate amounts to 3.33 million cubic meters.”

Al Jabri confirmed that the quantities of water that overflowed were much greater than the quantities retained. Engineer Zayed Al Jabri added that the Wilayat of Mahdha received the most rain among the states of the Sultanate of Oman. The rainfall reached 302 mm, while rainfall in the Wilayat of Al Buraimi reached 146 mm, and the Wilayat of Sunaynah recorded 84 mm.

Al Jabri explained that the heavy rains that the wilayat witnessed contributed to the overflow of all its valleys, whether the main valleys or those that feed them, in addition to the flow of all reefs, which led to the filling and flooding of all six dams in the state.

 Al Jabri stated that the quantities of stored water will benefit agriculture in the wilayat by supporting the groundwater reserve in places that suffer from weak water reserves. It will contribute greatly to its availability to feed wells and falaj that are negatively affected during recurring periods of drought or lack of rain.

Al Jabri confirmed that a field visit was carried out to all dams after the weather improved in the governorate to confirm the quantities of water retained and water levels, ensure the safety of the dams, and record data to submit the necessary reports. A number of procedures and measures were taken before the effects of the weather conditions occurred, which included emptying all dams of retained amounts of water, after which all dam gates were closed in preparation for receiving new quantities of water.