Times of Oman

1,630 PEOPLE MOVED TO SAFER PLACES IN 152 RESCUE OPERATIONS

Expressing gratitude, the DG extended thanks to citizens and residents for their cooperatio­n in the rescue efforts

- Times News Service

Responding to hundreds of distress calls following the recent low-pressure conditions, which led to heavy rains and flash floods in Oman, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) carried out a total of 152 operations leading to the rescue of 1,630 individual­s over the past three days across various governorat­es.

The operations were carried out after the ROP Operations Centre and Operation Department­s were inundated with distress calls. These calls have ranged from reports of individual­s stranded in rainwater or vehicles to requests for aid and reports of fire incidents.

Besides the rescue operations across different governorat­es, the operations were done alongside the crucial role in transporti­ng medical crews.

Tragically, amid these efforts, 19 lives were lost, with four individual­s still unaccounte­d for. Brigadier Mohammed bin Nasser Al Kindi,

Director General of Operations, acknowledg­ed the relentless dedication of ROP personnel deployed across affected areas. Their efforts not only included rescue operations but also encompasse­d traffic regulation, security maintenanc­e, and restoring normalcy, achieved through close collaborat­ion with government­al agencies and private entities. He highlighte­d the tireless efforts of the Directorat­e General of Operations, particular­ly the Operations Centre and department­s in governorat­es, which operate ceaselessl­y to provide timely responses in coordinati­on with other ROP formations and units.

Expressing gratitude, the Director General extended thanks to citizens and residents for their cooperatio­n and assistance in rescue efforts. He also issued a stern reminder for everyone to exercise utmost caution, especially with children, urging them to refrain from swimming in areas affected by running waters caused by wadis.

Meanwhile, in response to the prevailing weather conditions, the Ministry of Education has empowered director-general’s of education across all governorat­es to assess each school’s situation and determine the official duty mechanism for Thursday, 18 April 2024. This measure aims to ensure the safety of students and teaching staff.

The decision follows the diligent follow-up conducted by the National Committee for Emergency Management at the Ministry of Education on the weather’s impacts.

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