RAFO flights
“The Royal Air Force of Oman carried out a number of flights today in support of the efforts by all the government security agencies.”
A number of critical facilities, such as desalination plants, transmission stations and electricity distribution centres that provide electricity and water to people in these areas have drawn up emergency plans.
The Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) said: “The authority contacted all desalination plants, transmission and distribution licencees to activate emergency plans and take all precautionary measures to ensure the continuity and safe operation of their facilities and safeguard the security of electricity supply and water production. The electricity sector is well prepared to address any emergency caused by the tropical storm and all efforts will be made to restore supplies to the affected areas. The authority remains confident in the sector companies’ ability to deal with emergency situations through the emergency plans that have been prepared and tested.”
Oman’s National Transport Company Mwasalat announced that it would suspend services from Muscat to Dhofar and Wusta from Thursday. In a statement online, it said: “Mwasalat announces the suspension of trips from Muscat to Dhofar and Al Wusta and vice versa, as of Thursday, May 24, 2018. Mwasalat wishes to reiterate that it is keeping an eye on updates from PACA. Dates for resumption of trips will be communicated with the general public upon the instruction of PACA.”
Mwasalat said the suspension was to ensure passengers’ safety as the two governorates would be affected by the extraordinary weather conditions. The MuscatSalalah, Muscat-Marmul, Muscat-Duqm, Salalah-Mazyuna, Duqm-Haima, and Salalah-Marmool routes would be suspended. However, Mwasalat would operate three trips on Thursday at 7am, 10am and 3pm.
PACA’s official Twitter account has been broadcasting warnings about Mekunu in Arabic, French and Hindi.
The last high-intensity tropical storm that hit Dhofar was in 2002, and led to the death of eight people, including six Omanis. The storm resulted in a substantial loss to property.