Ten children among 18 dead in Oman as system sweeps Gulf

Several GCC countries issued flood alerts after intense thunderstorms and substantial rain swept across the region yesterday.

High winds and downpours resulted in 18 deaths in Oman on Sunday, due to people getting trapped in wadis that quickly flooded with water.

Rulers across the region sent out condolences after the deaths, which included 10 schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle, along with the driver.

Rainfall continued throughout yesterday, with schools moving to online learning. The weather was expected to calm from tonight.

In Bahrain, heavy rain and winds on Monday caused flooding on the roads of Manama. Footage showed vehicles driving through large pools of water.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry issued public safety warnings as thunder, lightning, high winds and heavy rainfall lashed the kingdom.

Scattered rain continued yesterday accompanied by strong wind and rough seas.

The ministry called on citizens and residents to secure objects likely to fall from buildings and keep a safe distance from trees and billboards.

In Kuwait, the Meteorological Department advised residents and travellers to remain vigilant and stay updated on weather forecasts as rain hit the country yesterday.

Saudi Arabia’s National Centre of Meteorology said rain and thunderstorms would continue into today.

The kingdom’s Civil Defence department called on citizens to take precautions against heavy rain, floods and wind.

Thunderstorms and high winds hit Al Qassim, Riyadh, Al Sharqiya and Hail areas. Temperatures dropped in Al Sharqiya, Riyadh and Al Qassim, with limited visibility.

The Qatar Meteorology Department warned of rain, thunder and hail lasting until today.

All ministries and government agencies switched to remote working yesterday.

Yemen was also hit by thunderstorms in Al Mahrah and Hadhramaut governorates.

Citizens were told to stay away from valleys.