Muscat: Heavy rains, strong winds and thunderstorms lashed many governorates on Friday due to the impact of low pressure. The National Committee for Emergency Situation Management for the first time began broadcasting rain alerts in several languages via smart phones on the prevailing weather which will continue till Sunday.
Abdullah bin Rashid al Khaduri, Director-General of Meteorology at the Civil Aviation Authority, said the alert will be given before and during the weather condition in Musandam, Al Buraimi, Al Batinah North and Al Batinah South, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, Muscat, and Al Sharqiyah North and Al Sharqiyah South governorates.
“Currently there is, thunderstorm and rainfall of varying intensity over parts of Al Dakhiliyah and Al Batinah South. It is moving towards Al Sharqiyah North and Al Sharqiyah South and parts of Muscat. In addition, cloud formation over parts of Al Buraimi and Al Batinah North governorates and chances of rainfall of varying intensity, ” the CAA in its weather update said.
The emergency situation committees held meetings in various governorates to discuss the weather situation and identified shelters in case of evacuation of people. The committees urged people to take precautions and follow official channels for instructions.
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate has moved vehicles from the public parking lot in Nizwa Souq, secured low-lying areas, and advised people to follow safety instructions.
The CDAA called on everyone to follow safety instructions during rainfall and flash floods in wadis. Two people were rescued by citizens after their vehicle was stuck in a flooded wadi in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, CDAA said.
The CDAA teams also educated workers and contractors on safety requirements in various areas affected by the weather condition.
It asked people to stay from low lying areas and dangling power lines.
The safety experts have also warned parents to stop children from approaching water bodies, to save from risks of lightning, the CDAA has advised the public to avoid standing under trees, during rain.
The Royal Oman Police has requested the public to avoid driving during strong winds and hailstones. “Avoid driving in windy conditions and unstable weather conditions except for emergency situations.” Despite several warnings, motorists continued to cross flooded wadis.
“Intentionally crossing wadis that may risk your life and also the lives of the passengers is a crime punishable by imprisonment for three months and a fine of RO500.
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