Mwasalat suspends trips to Dhofar and Al Wusta

MUSCAT, May 23 - The services sectors have announced their operational readiness to face the adverse weather conditions forecast for Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates during the weekend. To ensure passenger safety, Mwasalat has suspended trips from Muscat to Dhofar and Al Wusta, and vice versa, as of May 24. The suspended trips are (Muscat–Salalah), (Muscat–Marmul), (Muscat–Al Duqm), (Al Duqm–Haima), (Salalah– Marmul) and (Salalah–Al Mazyouna). Mwasalat said it is keeping an eye on updates from PACA. Dates for resumption of trips will be communicated to the general public upon the instructions of PACA. Mwasalat will operate three trips today at 7 am, 10 and 3 pm. The Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) said it is in touch with all desalination plants, transmission and distribution licensees to activate the emergency plans and take all precautionary measures to ensure the continuity of services. A statement from the authority said, “The authority reiterates its priority to ensure the safety of the public and contactors working in the sector. The electricity sector is prepared to address any emergency caused by the tropical storm and all efforts will be made to restore supplies to the affected areas in safe and efficient manner.” The fisheries department in Al Wusta called on all fishermen and others working in the marine industry to take precaution and avoid venturing into sea during the coming days. It urged all fishermen to withdraw their boats and move fishing equipment and supplies to a safe place. The Ministry of Education held on Wednesday an urgent meeting to discuss alternative dates for final exams of grade 5 to 11 that are scheduled next week for all schools across the Sultanate. Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education, presided over the meeting of the Central Committee for crisis management to preventive measures that will be announced through the official media channels. Zainab al Nassri