MUSCAT: Emergency services in Oman have asked people to exercise caution as heavy rains are expected to lash the Sultanate of Oman on Thursday.
At least 19 people were killed in flash floods triggered by heavy rains in North Al Sharqiyah and Adam in the second week of April 2024.
Analysis made by the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre at the Civil Aviation Authority shows that the Sultanate of Oman will be affected by a trough of low pressure starting from Thursday until Saturday.
Officials also said that the peak of the unstable weather condition will begin on Thursday afternoon.
The precipitation is likely to pervade the governorates of Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, South Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah, Muscat and North Al Sharqiyah, with rainfall ranging between 20mm and 80mm.
Nasser Said Al Ismaili, Director of the Department of Forecasts and Early Warning System at the Civil Aviation Authority, said that the rest of Oman’s northern governorates will also be moderately impacted by the weather condition.
In the wake of this adverse weather system, the National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) has decided to activate national centres, subcommittees and other sectors tasked with addressing adverse weather conditions that are expected to prevail over the governorates of Muscat, Dhofar, Al Dakhiliyah, North Al Sharqiyah, South Al Batinah and Al Dhahirah.
The authorities concerned will step up proactive action to limit the impacts of the weather condition and to deal with reports of potential damage.
Classes Suspended
Meanwhile the Ministry of Education has announced the activation of distance learning systems in all public, private, and foreign schools across Oman, with the exception of schools in the Al Wusta Governorate, on Thursday, May 2.
As per the ministry announcement, normal classes will resume on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation has granted private higher education institutions and vocational colleges the authority to adapt their decisions based on prevailing circumstances.
This decision emphasises the importance of prioritising public safety amid changing weather conditions.
The Ministry has decided to suspend work and rehabilitation programmes in all government and private rehabilitation centres and nurseries in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman on Thursday following the adverse weather situation in Oman.
Take precaution
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises all to take precautions during rainfall that will cause flash floods.
It urges the public to check visibility level and sea state before sailing and follow the weather bulletins issued.
