PREPARED FOR THE WORST AND HOPING FOR THE BEST

Sultanate boosts defences and starts evacuating people as Mekunu approaches Salalah coast

Times News Service

MUSCAT:

Plans to evacuate people before tropical storm Mekunu hits parts of the Dhofar and Wusta Governorates are underway, as the nation springs into action to weather the worst of its effects.

The storm, which is currently over the Arabian Sea, is expected to intensify into a Category Two cyclone – which has been christened “Mekunu” – within the next 36 hours, and is likely to make a landfall in southern Oman and northern Yemen on Thursday. The latest reports from the Weather Monitoring Department of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) say the clouds that are part of the storm are currently 80km from Salalah, the capital of Dhofar Governorate.

Mekunu is currently moving towards the Omani coastline at a speed of 136kph, with wind speeds touching up to 90kph. While parts of the Dhofar Governorate could be severely affected by the storm, the surrounding areas could also experience heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds.

Wind speeds could rise up to 135kph, while waves as high as eight metres could crash onto the seashore.

Extensive preparations have been made by several public authorities to ensure the safety of lives and property, with the National Committee for Civil Defence, headed by Lt Gen Hassan Al Shraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, going over the preparedness of various emergency services.

Oman’s Ministry of Defence has moved to evacuate the inhabitants of the Hallaniyat Islands, which could strongly feel the impact of Mekunu.

“Evacuation of citizens and residents from the Hallaniyat Islands to safe areas started today,” announced the ministry.