Torrential Rain Causes Severe Flooding in Oman, Resulting in 13 Fatalities

Oman is reeling from the aftermath of torrential rain, which has led to severe flooding in various parts of the country, claiming at least 13 lives. Reports from the UAE-based Khaleej Times reveal the grim toll of the ongoing deluge, with rescue efforts underway amidst challenging conditions.

The civil defense and ambulance authority in Oman reported the recovery of the body of an individual who had gone missing in the North Al Sharqiyah governorate. Efforts to locate three other missing persons, including a child, are still underway, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Tragedy struck on Sunday when flash floods swept through Oman, resulting in the loss of 12 lives, including nine students, two residents, and an expatriate, as confirmed by the national committee for emergency management. The relentless downpour has inundated several areas, prompting swift action from authorities to evacuate residents and ensure their safety.

The Royal Oman Police, the Royal Army of Oman, the civil defense authority, and the ambulance have mobilized to relocate students from schools to safer locations. Harrowing footage shared on social media depicts vehicles being swept away by the force of floodwaters, trapping individuals inside their homes.

Responding to the crisis, the Oman Police aviation team executed a mission to transfer 21 individuals from a rural farm to the Al Lasmo area within the Quriyat governorate, showcasing the collaborative efforts to mitigate the impact of the disaster.

In light of the adverse weather conditions, schools and colleges in Oman have been instructed to shift to distance learning, as per directives from the ministry of higher education, scientific research, and innovation. Additionally, business owners are urged to remain vigilant by monitoring weather updates to ensure the safety of their staff members.

Oman’s national committee for emergency management has issued alerts to all governorates likely to be affected by the ongoing rainfall, signaling a concerted effort to preemptively address potential risks.

Meanwhile, neighboring UAE braces for unstable weather conditions, with the possibility of hailstorms, lightning, and thunder in certain areas, heightening concerns across the region as communities grapple with the impact of inclement weather.