Tragedy-hit holidays end

The holidays ended on Tuesday marred by numerous tragedies leaving both citizens and residents reeling in the wake of loss of their kith and kin in different incidents.

Most people returned to Muscat by Monday itself following closure of tourist spots at different locations in the Sultanate of Oman as a result of inclement weather conditions.

Although the government and private sector offices will reopen on Wednesday after the Eid al Adha break, there is not much traffic on the roads unlike previous occasions.

However, reports from the airport said there was an unusual rush of people who were returning after spending holidays in their native countries.

But for those who returned from domestic tourism centres like Salalah, it was gloom on their faces.

Several people including children have lost their lives following incessant rains which lashed most parts of the country since last Thursday. Rescue teams are continuing to search for the missing.

“It was not just rain which hampered the holidays. We were shocked and frightened at the news of accidents which took place at very short intervals”, said Menes Abubaker, who returned from Salalah.

Menes said it was panic which drove them back to Muscat as severe thunderstorms with rains hit Salalah and the surrounding areas which forced them to remain indoors at his friend’s house.

“People were not following warnings to stay away from beaches which had high tides and wadis and waterfalls which were surging due to heavy rains”, he said.

While social media was agog with children diving into wadis and swimming along, the authorities highlighted the dangers and throughout the Eid holidays there have been mishaps.

For Abdulaziz, though it was his maiden trip to Salalah, it was all fear after witnessing the hostile wadis which otherwise were picturesque before the inclement weather hit the country.

“We had to cut short our visit, which was otherwise planned for four days. Also we were not allowed to go to any spots due to the risks involved”, he said.

Meanwhile, the ROP called on all citizens and residents in Dhofar to be further careful while driving vehicles for their own safety, not to cross wadis, listen to warnings, and not to approach dangerous places.

@samkuttyvp