Oman emergency services on high alert
Residents hoard essential items as cyclone threat looms
Oman’s National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM), Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority and state’s apparatus have been put on high alert, with teams mobilised and stationed at various flash points, as the sultanate braced for cyclone Shaheen yesterday.
The NCEM issued a circular to government institutions on emergency protocols and also how to deal with information and communications technology devices linked to the government network.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has activated the emergency plan for the road sector in the governorates likely to be affected by the cyclone.
The Muscat Call Centre will work round the clock in order to receive complaints or calls for assistance on the number 1111. The Royal Oman Police are already stationed across various check points in the capital, regulating the traffic as well as turning back those planning on adventures during rains.
Hypermarkets inside mega complexes like Avenues Mall, Mall of Oman, Muscat Grand Mall, Muscat City Centre, Qurum City Centre as well as super markets were filled to brim with shoppers hoarding essential items like fresh milk, milk powder, bread, egg and other minor grocery items.
A floor manager at Lulu Hypermarket in Ghala said that the outlet has been buzzing with people since the opening hours as public were keen to stock essential items, fearing a shortage due to floods and storm.