The impact of the trough of low pressure might have diminished but it has left motorists lot to think about not just about driving in the rain but also where to park their vehicle safely?
This time around Wilayat Samayil was faced with the challenge of parked cars being washed away as the wadis expanded in width as it churned out everything that were on its course.
As the water levels lowered on Wednesday remnants were drift wood, leaves and vehicles.
There were minor impacts on the road going over Wadi Sahtan, Rustaq. Wadi Mahram in Wilayat of Samayil had overflowed with gushing rainwater.
Mudhaibi, Bidbid all had their wadis in picturesque setting as the water calmed down.
But on Tuesday morning, the police aviation carried out a rescue operation to save two people who were trapped after they were swept away in Wadi Bani Henai in the Wilayat of Rustaq, and were able to transport them to a safe place.
Yet another challenge were the parked vehicles being washed away by the flowing wadis. There seems to be a need for clear strategy.
Abdulaziz Ali Riyami is from Bahla and he reflected on the unpredictable nature of wadis while speaking to Observer, “They take away from trees and rocks and move even the soil. We know it is best not to approach a running wadi. But there are different situations as in the case of Nizwa Market, it is located on the level of wadi. So it is important to move the vehicles once the alert is given. When it comes to parking near the wadis, people tend to evaluate the size of wadis. Once the flash floods happen, wadis change their energy level, speed and dimensions.”
Nasser al Shibli shared his thoughts on social media after visuals of washed away vehicles appeared on platforms, “What are the reasons for leaving a vehicle in a valley or taking a risk with it? Is it a watercourse or a means of transportation in times of need? Whoever takes risks or neglects must bear the responsibility and consequences, and protection from risks is the duty of a person who is aware of matters and is rational.”
Meanwhile away from water another factor that has been troubling motorists is the dust rising wind.
It has also been a challenge for motorists. An example has been what people referred to as flying dust which causes lack of visibility and this was experienced on Sinaw-Mahout Road recently due to strong winds.
The active winds are to continue as per the Oman Met Office statement which said cumulonimbus activity is expected over Al Hajar Mountains, with chances of its expansion in the coming period, and scattered rain showers, sometimes thundery, accompanied by active active downward winds.
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