Oman Grapples with Devastating Rainfall, Death Toll Rises to 19
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: Relentless rainfall besieging various regions of Oman has inflicted widespread disruption and tragedy, with the death toll climbing to 19 following three consecutive days of torrential downpour in the Sultanate.
As the nation braces for further inclement weather on Wednesday, the government has taken decisive action by extending the suspension of classes nationwide, acknowledging the imperative of prioritizing citizen safety amidst the ongoing crisis. The inundation of low-lying areas has severely hampered vehicular mobility, prompting a concerted effort by authorities to execute rescue operations and relocate affected individuals to secure zones across multiple governorates.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) executed two pivotal transport missions to address medical emergencies in Muscat and North Al Sharqiyah, facilitating the swift airlift of individuals from vulnerable locations to medical facilities, underscoring the nation’s commitment to preserving lives amidst adversity.
In response to the escalating weather conditions, the Ministry of Education has announced the continued suspension of classes in all public, private, and foreign schools nationwide on Wednesday, excluding Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates. This precautionary measure aligns with weather advisories issued by the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre and consultations with pertinent authorities, with normal school operations expected to resume on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Anticipating further precipitation, meteorological forecasts indicate the likelihood of heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by strong downdraft winds and hail, across various governorates on Wednesday morning, necessitating vigilance and caution from residents. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued advisories urging individuals to exercise restraint during thunderstorms, emphasizing the avoidance of wadis, low-lying areas, and maritime activities throughout the alert period.
Tuesday witnessed Al Buraimi Governorate grappling with heavy to moderate rainfall, resulting in inundated wadis and streets in Buraimi and Mahdha wilayats, exacerbating traffic congestion and infrastructure challenges. Meanwhile, the swelling of dams across multiple governorates underscores the magnitude of the weather-induced crisis, necessitating proactive water management strategies by the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources.
Engineer Khalid bin Salem Al-Hooti, Director of the Water Resources Control Department, affirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to mitigating the impact of adverse weather conditions, exemplifying Oman’s resilience and preparedness in confronting natural calamities.
As Oman perseveres through this tumultuous period, concerted efforts by governmental and civic entities underscore the nation’s resolve to navigate challenges and safeguard the well-being of its citizens amidst nature’s relentless fury.
