Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is reeling from a devastating flood that claimed the lives of three children and disrupted the lives of many others as heavy rains swept through the region on Monday. The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) sprang into action, rescuing over a hundred people stranded by the deluge.
In response to the severe weather conditions, all public, private, and international schools across most of Oman will remain closed on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Only the governorates of Dhofar, Musandam, and Al Wusta are exempt from this closure. Flash floods wreaked havoc in various parts of the country as relentless rain and thunderstorms pounded Oman.
Emergency responders are grappling with widespread flooding across the nation, with northern Oman bearing the brunt of the devastation. Tragically, three fatalities were confirmed in the Wadi Bani Ghafir area of Rustaq, Al Batinah South Governorate, on February 12, due to the raging floodwaters. The heroic efforts of emergency crews led to the rescue of 108 individuals from Yanqul in Ad Dhahirah Governorate, along with one person each from Buraimi in Al Buraimi Governorate and Muscat in Muscat Governorate. Additionally, 118 people were evacuated from a specialized physical therapy center in Al Batinah North Governorate as water levels surged dangerously.
The Oman Directorate General of Meteorology has issued warnings of heavy rain, hail, and strong winds, which may trigger further flash flooding across several governorates and coastal areas on February 13. Red thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the affected regions.
Further sustained heavy rainfall could exacerbate flooding in low-lying communities near water bodies and on already saturated ground. Urban areas with inadequate stormwater drainage systems are at risk of inundation, while hilly or mountainous regions face the threat of landslides.
Transportation disruptions are expected, with floodwaters potentially rendering bridges, rail networks, and roadways impassable. Hazardous driving conditions may arise due to ponding on road surfaces, while localized business disruptions are anticipated due to flood damage and employee evacuations.
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders as necessary to ensure their safety amidst the ongoing weather emergency.
Key Points of this News
- Flood Tragedy in Oman: Heavy rains in Oman have led to devastating floods, resulting in the deaths of three children and the rescue of over a hundred individuals by the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA).
- School Closures: All public, private, and international schools in most of Oman will be closed on February 13, 2024, due to the severe weather conditions. Only the governorates of Dhofar, Musandam, and Al Wusta are exempt from this closure.
- Extent of Flooding: Flash floods have been reported in various parts of the country, particularly in northern Oman, where three fatalities occurred in the Wadi Bani Ghafir area of Rustaq, Al Batinah South Governorate, on February 12.
- Rescue Operations: Emergency crews have been working tirelessly to rescue individuals stranded by the floodwaters. Over a hundred people were rescued from Yanqul in Ad Dhahirah Governorate, as well as from other affected areas.
- Weather Warnings: The Oman Directorate General of Meteorology has issued warnings of heavy rain, hail, and strong winds across several governorates and coastal areas on February 13. Red thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the affected regions.
- Risks of Further Flooding: Sustained heavy rainfall could exacerbate flooding in low-lying communities and trigger landslides in hilly or mountainous regions. Urban areas with poor stormwater drainage systems are at risk of inundation.
- Transportation Disruptions: Floodwaters may render bridges, rail networks, and roadways impassable, leading to hazardous driving conditions and potential business disruptions.
- Safety Precautions: Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant, heed evacuation orders, and prioritize safety amidst the ongoing weather emergency.
- Continued Monitoring: Updates will be provided as the situation evolves in Oman.
