SERIOUS ACCIDENTS DIP IN OMAN

MUSCAT: A number of wilayats experienced rains of varying amounts accompanied by strong wind and hail as a result of local cloud formation. The rain caused some wadis to overflow and raised the water level.

Moderate to heavy rains were reported in a number of wilayats in the Sultanate’s north including Yanqul, Dhank, Al Mudhaibi, Al Hamra and Samayil.

The Directorate-General of Meteorology at the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (Oman Met office) predicts location cloud formation to continue over Al Hajar Mountains and surrounding areas today with chances of scattered rains and occasionally thundershowers in the evening.

The weather is expected to be fine on the coastal strip of Dhofar Governorate and adjacent areas with chances of intermittent drizzle and light showers. Foggy conditions and low-level clouds may prevail over the coastal areas of the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea in the early morning and late night.

There are reports that even the local villagers have started a campaign, including placing of signboards and alerting motorists to reduce speed.

“We have been reading reports about nasty accidents between Adam and Thamrait. This year, even buses have been involved in accidents. There are not enough quality restrooms en route,” Mohammed al Khalil, a frequent traveller to Salalah, said . Most of these accidents involve car collisions. A majority of the crashes have been reported during July and August when families travel to Salalah to enjoy the mild weather.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has launched a campaign urging motorists to take short breaks during their travel to Salalah and take adequate rest before getting behind the wheel.

With the launch of budget airlines such SalamAir, Air Arabia and FlyDubai, airfares Salalah have come down by nearly 50 per cent. as to