HEAVY RAINS DISRUPT LIFE IN SEVERAL PARTS OF OMAN

Persistent heavy to moderate rainfall continues to wreak havoc across Oman, necessitating multiple rescue operations

Relentless rainfall in various regions of Oman has caused widespread disruption to normal life, with the death toll reaching 19 after three consecutive days of downpour in the Sultanate.

The National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) confirmed on Tuesday that more than 800 people have been shifted from flood-hit areas to shelter centres across various parts of Oman. NCEM said that a total of, 617 Omani citizens and 195 expat residents have been moved to 14 shelter centres in different governorates.

Many low-lying areas have been submerged, severely impeding vehicular traffic. Authorities throughout Oman are tirelessly engaged in rescue efforts to prevent further loss of life.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) conducted two critical transport operations for medical emergencies in Muscat and North Al Sharqiyah, airlifting individuals from Suqa in the Wilayat of Quriyat to the Royal Hospital, and from Hail Al Kauf in Jabal Al Abyad in the Wilayat of Dima Wattayyen to the nearest health centre.

Classes suspended

As a precautionary measure to ensure student safety, the Ministry of Education has announced the continued suspension of classes in all public, private, and foreign schools across Oman on Wednesday, except in Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates.

This decision follows weather alerts issued by the National MultiHazard Early Warning Centre and consultations with the NCEM and other relevant authorities. Normal school activities are expected to resume on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by strong downdraft winds and hail, are expected over various governorates on Wednesday morning, including Musandam, Al Buraimi, A’Dhahirah, North Al Batinah, A’Dakhiliyah, Muscat, South Al Batinah, South Al Sharqiyah, North Al Sharqiyah, and the northern parts of Al Wusta Governorate.