Permanent solution needed to curb rain damages

After Cyclone Gonu made landfall in Oman in 2007 — which was then unprepared for its severity and intensity — and again severe cyclonic storm Shaheen, too brought with it massive flooding, strong winds and thunder showers and now that the country is under the current heavy downpours that have caused loss of lives and infrastructure, it is time to rethink about creating proper water ways all over Oman.

As the country is experiencing heavy rains this week, several citizens and residents from different parts of Oman are struggling to commute and this has prompted them to call for permanent solution to the chaos that normally occurs during heavy rains.

Every time it rains, many people get worried about the overflowing wadis, and wish there was a permanent solution to this problem.

Floods in the wake of rains have been bringing much hardship to the people of the Sultanate of Oman. In the recent past, rains resulted in massive flooding in many parts of Oman.

There is a need of proper drainage system or small bridges over wadis to keep traffic moving during heavy rains.

By doing so, traffic will be smooth and lives can be saved.

Fears linger in people’s mind when it rains, and the problem is we do not know when the wadis would flow.

So, the authorities concerned need to look for a permanent solution by building bridges and culverts whenever the roads cross the wadis.

Rainwater does not soak into it and diverts to drainage systems, which frequently clog up as a result, causing the water to overflow onto sidewalks and streets.

If left unchecked, floods will result. Sustainable drainage is a very logical idea.

The suggestion is to replace impermeable surfaces with porous ones like grass and gardens. This will enable rainwater to percolate into the ground.

The infiltration process keeps plant life alive as well.

Local governments urgently need more knowledge on flood control, including both technical and nontechnical aspects, and knowledge of every phase of the risk management cycle.

Oman could build floodplains and river overflow zones. Floodplains are essential for protection against flooding.

Floodplains have the capacity to store and absorb water, protecting neighbouring settlements from the consequences of heavy rains.

People should also take some initiatives as well!

We can’t just leave it to the government, municipalities, environmentalists or urban planners to put infrastructure in place to prevent urban flooding.

Everyone must make it their personal responsibility to adapt to climate change. Whether it’s collecting rainwater or building a garden on top of our roofs, it’s imperative that everyone takes the steps necessary to be part of the rainwater management solution.

There is a need to synchronise ideas like catastrophe risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and integrated watershed and water resources management. Policies and plans should include risk management as a key component.

Floods in the Sultanate of Oman occur as flash floods with little warning, causing property damage, community disruption, and at times loss of lives.

This is more so in Al Sharqiyah North and Al Sharqiyah South which are becoming increasingly vulnerable to flash floods after torrential or even moderate rains.

FLOODS IN THE WAKE OF RAINS HAVE BEEN BRINGING MUCH HARDSHIP TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SULTANATE OF OMAN