Image credit: Oman Met/X
Flash floods have devastated parts of Oman, and claimed at least 12 lives, with five individuals still missing.
Among the deceased, nine were students, confirmed Oman’s National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM). The NCEM said that flash floods washed away vehicles carrying children following torrential rain on Sunday, April 15.
The nation’s National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre had issued alerts prior to the deluge, but the severity of the floods caught many residents off guard.
Heavy rains lash Oman
Rain monitoring stations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources recorded significant rainfall across various regions of Oman on Sunday. Bidiyah experienced the highest rainfall in the country, receiving 89mm.
Following Bidiyah, Ibra recorded 80mm of rainfall, while Quriyat and Amerat received 78mm each. Other notable rainfall amounts include Mudhaibi with 75mm, Al Qabil with 71mm, Yanqul with 66mm, and Izki with 65mm.
Meanwhile, Ibri received 58mm of rainfall, Sinaw recorded 43mm, and Nizwa received 42mm.
The Ministry reported that Wadi Dayqah Dam overflowed on Sunday due to the heavy rainfall.
Rescue efforts across Oman
In response to the stormy weather conditions, Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) launched extensive rescue operations, evacuating over 1,300 individuals, including stranded schoolchildren.
طيران الشرطة يُنفذ ٨ طلعات خلال الساعات الماضية لأكثر من ٣٥ شخصًا تمثلت في إنقاذ أشخاص ونقل مصابين وإسعاف مرضى وبحث عن مفقودين .#شرطة_عمان_السلطانية pic.twitter.com/orc9CFb4CH
— شرطة عُمان السلطانية (@RoyalOmanPolice) April 14, 2024
Despite efforts, tragedy struck in various parts of the country, with reports of collapsed houses and inundated neighbourhoods.
Emergency measures implemented
As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges in Oman have been instructed to switch to distance learning mode on Monday, April 15.
This decision, made by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst ongoing weather concerns.
Continued weather warnings
The Civil Aviation Authority has issued warnings of severe thunderstorms, high winds, and hail persisting until Monday evening.
تحديث لرصد الخلايا الرعدية الحالية، حيث تشهد محافظات جنوب الشرقية وشمال الشرقية والداخلية وأجزاء من الظاهرة والوسطى هطول أمطار متفاوتة الغزارة تكون مصحوبة برياح نشطة وتساقط لحبات البرد أحياناً.#منخفض_المطير pic.twitter.com/cqVwcVIEQk
— الأرصاد العمانية (@OmanMeteorology) April 15, 2024
Additionally, the National Committee for Emergency Management has urged residents to exercise caution and follow official communications to mitigate risks and protect lives and property.
As Oman grapples with the aftermath of the floods, emergency responders continue to work tirelessly to rescue those in need and restore normalcy to affected areas.