Oman was hit by heavy rains and thunderstorms, resulting in the deaths of three children, the rescue of more than 100 people, and the suspension of schools and health services in most parts of the country.
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) said that three children were found dead after being swept away by the Wadi Bani Ghafir stream in Rustaq. Four more people, including three children, were reported missing in the same area.
Oman faces floods
The CDAA also said that it rescued 108 people from Yanqul, one person from Buraimi, and one person from Muscat, who were stranded by flash floods caused by the rains. In addition, 118 people were evacuated from a physical therapy centre in North Al Batinah Governorate, where the water level was high.
The Ministry of Education announced that all government, private, and international schools would be closed on Tuesday in all governorates, except Dhofar, Musandam, and Al Wusta, due to the current climatic conditions. Classes are expected to resume on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Health said that it rescheduled more than 25,000 appointments, including outpatient visits, non-emergency operations, and laboratory tests, that were postponed on Monday. The ministry said that it prioritized the safety and health of the patients.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources reported that the Wilayat of Dibba in Musandam Governorate received the highest amount of rainfall in Oman, with 140 millimetres on Monday. Other areas that received heavy rainfall were Barka, Al Buraimi, Mahdha, Shinas, Sunaynah, Madha, Saham, Khasab, Sohar, Yanqul, and Liwa.
Rain, hail, wind, floods, warning
The meteorology department warned that the weather situation would continue on Tuesday, with chances of heavy rain, hail, and fresh wind that may cause flash floods over Musandam, North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, Muscat, Al Dakhyliah, North Al Sharqiyah, South Al Sharqiyah, and the coastal areas of Al Wusta and Dhofar.
The torrential downpour has saturated the ground, increasing the likelihood of additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers and creeks. Urban areas with inadequate stormwater drainage systems are particularly vulnerable to inundation. Landslides pose a threat in hilly terrain, exacerbated by the soil’s saturation from prolonged rainfall.
Authorities may implement further mandatory evacuations in flood-prone areas, while disruptions to utilities such as electricity and telecommunications are anticipated. Transportation networks face significant challenges, with floodwaters rendering bridges and roadways impassable, impacting overland travel. Traffic delays are expected along highways, and localized business disruptions are likely due to flood damage and employee evacuation.
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