Monday 16 / June / 2025
Muscat: Oman’s coordinated and quick response to Cyclone Mekunu has resulted in nearly all the areas in the Governorates of Dhofar and Al Wusta fully recovering from the category two storm in just 192 hours.
Beginning May 27, the authorities launched a coordinated response that fixed 100 per cent of the affected roads, brought power back to 98 per cent of Dhofar and restored 98 per cent of all communication within just eight days.
The Sultanate’s impressive display is expected to serve as a blueprint for countries around the world looking to effectively manage and respond to natural hazards.
Road diversions
Eng. Said Tabouk, Director General of Roads and Land Transport in Dhofar, said, “All major routes have been opened using diversions. The construction on the main roads will be completed before the Khareef season begins.”
The committee and the Royal Oman Police (ROP) have thanked volunteers for their efforts in rehabilitating those in affected areas.
“We commend everyone for their support and interaction, along with the efforts of the National Committee for Civil Defence in all its sectors during the tropical cyclone,” the ROP said.
**media[885560]**
Statistics from the National Emergency Management Centre showed that 100 per cent of work had been completed along roads, petrol stations, health centres and sewage lines.
All shelters in Al Wusta have since been evacuated, while in Dhofar, 99.3 per cent have been cleared. Water has been restored to 95 per cent of the urban and northern parts of Dhofar, while 70 per cent of the northern parts of the governorate had their water restored.
Electricity in Dhofar has been restored to 98 per cent of the governorate, while 90 per cent of rural areas have also got electricity. Additionally, 95 per cent of all waste has been cleared, while 98 per cent of telecommunication has been restored.
For the authorities, whose exceptional response saved so many lives, work is still ongoing to provide support and protection to those who suffered the most during the storm.
“Some 90 per cent of houses have been completely damaged by the tropical cyclone, especially old houses that were built with unstable materials,” said Ahmed Qattan, Branch Manager of the Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO), in Dhofar.
The Public Authority for Charitable Organisation, in cooperation with the governors, sent nine teams to Rakhyut and Dhalkut, the two areas which were most affected by the cyclone, to assess the damage and provide the necessary data to the parties, so that work can begin on repairing the damage.
“Many people in rural areas rely on livestock or land to earn their living, all of which has been destroyed by Mekunu. Rehabilitating them is very important, as residents of such areas do not have the financial means to bear these losses,”
Qattan said.
“The study will estimate the damage to citizens’ homes and properties and provide emergency financial assistance to the families.”
Shelters
The OCO began to assess rural areas before coastal areas because they are mountainous and difficult to reach at the start of the fall season.
“Many rural homeowners who were affected have been lodged in shelters, moved in with relatives, or rented houses in the cities,” Qattan added.
