Flood mitigation measures lessens the impact of overflowing wadis, heavy rain or high tides. After the 2007 Gonu ravaged the parts of Oman, the country has been on alert against such natural calamities and has beefed up its preparedness against such disasters.
Learning from the experience, Oman has initiated several measures including an early alert system, flood protection dams, construction of systematic wadis, bunds and the like. Additionally, systematic mitigation techniques are in place at areas of steep topography, in small drainage basins, and wadis, where floodwaters can rise very quickly with little or no warning.
Added to all these are the efforts by the Royal Oman Police (ROP), Civil Defence and Ambulances Authority (CDAA), Muscat Municipality and the people, besides ongoing awareness campaigns educating the common people about the adverse weather and the importance of precautions.
However, the disaster involving flash floods and casualties is continuing unabated and more people are vulnerable to such natural calamities. A careful attention to precautionary measures issued by the authorities, sense of responsibility for safety for oneself and others and preparedness would help reduce the impact of such climatic conditions on people and property, say experts.
Most of the drowning incidents have been reported during heavy rains when people wantonly cross flooded wadis by foot or in vehicles. Such casualties often happen when children wade into water bodies ignoring safety warnings. “In most cases, one can see recklessness, which has contributed to the increasing number of drowning incidents in the Sultanate of Oman,” said Abdullah al Khadouri, a safety officer.
Here are some of the precautions shared by experts from the CDAA as well as Omani safety and security trainers:
1. Follow all precautionary measures issued by the authorities during adverse weather conditions
2. Avoid low-lying areas and move to high-level areas during such weather
3. Crossing wadis during rains is illegal and severe actions are initiated against the offenders
4. Authorities should not encourage construction activities near wadis
5. Install solid structures to prevent seawater from flowing into storm drains.
6. Set up an underground water storage facility so that it can be used later
7. Improving the drainage system
8. Construction of additional water drainage channels along the main roads and in central areas to absorb large quantities of water
9 Timely desilting of of drainage channels for smooth flow of water
Last but not the least, people in the affected areas should remain calm and not panic. They should follow the official announcements and should share fake news.
All these measures would work only if the people cooperate with the authorities and consider safety as the responsibility of each individual, according to the CDAA.
“People should refrain from venturing out into the water, driving in flash floods and speeding especially during flash floods. They should also be extra careful in mountainous areas and encourage their family members and friends and relatives to do the same,” said the CDAA spokesperson.
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