Muscat: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported on Tuesday that severe weather conditions in Oman have led to a tragic loss of life and numerous rescue operations, as a low-pressure system originating from the Sea of Oman has brought about heavy rainfall across the northern governorates, causing significant disruptions and posing considerable risks.
The weather pattern has resulted in widespread cloud cover and rain throughout most of the Sultanate, with particularly intense rainfall observed over the Al Hajar Mountains and the Dhofar Governorate. This has led to the emergence of wadis in certain areas, creating hazardous conditions.
In one instance, a vehicle carrying five individuals was swept away by floodwaters in Wadi Andam on the Izki-Sinaw road, resulting in the untimely death of a child. The other four occupants were rescued and transported to Ibra Referral Hospital by a police ambulance.
Furthermore, the police aviation department was compelled to conduct a dawn rescue operation for two individuals trapped in Wadi Bani Hani in the Wilayat of Rustaq, successfully evacuating them to a safe location.
The ROP has issued a public safety advisory, cautioning the public to avoid crossing flooded valleys and to remain vigilant and heed all safety advisories.
The Meteorological Department’s forecast for the upcoming two days suggests that the severe weather conditions are likely to persist.
Over the past two days, the Wilayats of Samail and Al Buraimi have recorded the highest rainfall at 39 mm, followed by Sohar and Al Hamra at 35 mm each, and Wilayat of Muhadha at 28 mm, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources.
For August 7, 2024 (Wednesday), it is anticipated that there will be partly cloudy to cloudy skies over the remaining governorates, with sporadic rainfall of varying intensity, occasionally accompanied by thundershowers and downdraft winds over the Al Hajar Mountains and the adjacent areas, as well as the coastal regions of the Sea of Oman. The coast of Dhofar Governorate and the surrounding mountains are expected to experience intermittent drizzle and isolated rainfall, with occasional thundershowers.
Additionally, there is a possibility of dust particles rising over desert and open areas, and low-level cloud patches are anticipated along parts of the coastal areas of the Arabian Sea.
For August 8, 2024 (Thursday), similar weather conditions are expected, with partly cloudy to cloudy skies over the coast of Dhofar Governorate and the surrounding mountains, characterized by intermittent drizzle and isolated rainfall, occasionally thundershowers. The remaining governorates may also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with sporadic thundershowers accompanied by downdraft winds and hail over the Al Hajar Mountains, extending to the adjoining areas and over the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. Dust particles rising over desert and open areas, and low-level cloud patches are anticipated along parts of the coastal areas of the Arabian Sea and the Oman Sea.
