MUSCAT: A number of individuals have been rescued following intense rainfall across Oman, which has been intensified by a prevailing tropical depression.
These heavy rains have resulted in widespread flooding and perilous conditions, affecting several regions severely.
In Sur, there have been multiple incidents where individuals, including a family of four, have been rescued after being trapped by rising waters.
Furthermore, a driver was safely pulled from the water after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.
In another instance, the quick response of the Search and Rescue Team led to the rescue of three individuals whose vehicle had become stranded in Al Salimiya Wadi, a part of the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.
All the rescued individuals are currently in stable condition, attributed to the prompt action of the emergency response teams.
The South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, particularly impacted by the tropical depression, is currently facing dense cloud cover and varying intensities of rainfall, with some areas experiencing heavy precipitation.
Elsewhere, scattered rainfall has been observed in other governorates, contributing to the overall widespread impact of the weather system.
Authorities are cautioning the public, especially in flood-prone areas, to exercise vigilance due to the significant risks posed by overflowing valleys.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has reported the overflow of several wadis in Sur, resulting in the disruption of traffic in various regions.
The tropical depression is expected to persist, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirming that it will continue to generate heavy rain and strong winds.
Mahmoud bin Rashid Al Khayari, the Head of the Forecasting Department at the CAA, has outlined that rainfall amounts in North and South Al Sharqiyah, as well as Muscat, are anticipated to range from 40 to 90 mm.
Additionally, North and South Al Batinah, Ad Dakhiliyah, Ad Dhahirah, and Al Wusta are projected to receive rainfall between 20 and 50 mm.
Rainfall in Al Buraimi and Dhofar is expected to reach between 10 and 30 mm.
On Wednesday, there is anticipated to be a decrease in rainfall across North and South Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah, Muscat, Al Dhahirah, and Al Buraimi, with total rainfall amounts between 20 and 50 mm.
Dhofar is expected to experience lower rainfall amounts, ranging from 10 to 30 mm.
By Thursday, the tropical depression is projected to weaken, with its effects primarily felt in the mountainous regions of Dhofar and the Al Hajar range.
Friday is expected to bring about stability in most areas, with the exception of some cloud formations over the Al Hajar Mountains.
In addition to the rainfall, the CAA has issued warnings regarding high waves in the Arabian Sea, where wave heights could extend up to 3 meters.
The Sea of Oman is anticipated to see waves of varying heights between 0.5 and 2.5 meters, due to the strong winds associated with the depression.
Authorities are continuing to advise residents to avoid traversing flooded valleys and to adhere to safety measures as the tropical weather system gradually diminishes.
